More Than Just Lettuce

SALADS

Before we get into this chapter, let’s be clear about one thing: While some salads can be boring, these are definitely not those salads! We are big salad eaters and so we are always challenging ourselves to come up with new flavor and texture combinations that go well beyond a sad pile of greens. Especially as a vegetarian, I think salads can be the ultimate blank canvas for just about anything salty, sweet, crunchy, or creamy with delicious dressings that will give anything store-bought a run for its money, such as Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette, Lemon-Herb Dressing, and Basil Vinaigrette. And salads don’t even have to include lettuce in the first place, especially in the case of the Chickpea, Avocado, and Feta Salad or our Creamy Cucumber Salad.

Think of these salads any time you need to pack a lunch for work, want to make a quick bite in advance for grabbing from the fridge, would like a portable main dish for a picnic, or are put on salad duty for a dinner party or potluck. You never want to be the person showing up with a bag of iceberg lettuce from the store—have your salad be the talk of the town! I guarantee that if you go with any salad in this chapter, at least one person will ask you for the recipe.