2. Salads are mixtures of various ingredients
accompanied by a sauce or dressing. They are a
diverse category of prepared foods served as
appetizers, side accompaniments, entrees,
sandwich fillings, or even desserts. Salads can be
prepared with lettuces, assorted vegetables,
grains, pasta, fruits, or proteins.
what is SALAD?
3. "A salad is not a
meal. It is a style."
- Fran Lebowitz
4. Do you believe that knowing
the proper way to prepare
salads
is important? Why?
6. Salad is as good as the quality of its ingredients, so you have to use
ingredients that are fresh, ripe, and in season.
Nothing gives more flavor to your food than fresh ingredients. As
time goes on, preserved food loses its taste, but ingredients that are
fresh with no preservatives provide the authentic taste that every
single ingredient has.
Quality of ingredients
7. It should be attractive, appetizing, and creatively presented.
If food has eye appeal, then enjoyment of the meal will go up.
Garnishing properly is essential when presenting food. The
garnish will complement the main dish in color, flavor, and
texture. Garnish enhances the flavor of a dish as well as its eye
appeal.
Eye Appeal
8.
9. Keep the salad neatly placed on a plate.
It's very important to prepare food safely to help stop harmful bacteria
from spreading and growing.
Neat, accurate cutting of ingredients is important because the shapes of
the vegetables add to eye appeal. Cut vegetables as close as possible to
serving time or they may dry or shrivel at the edges. Cooked vegetables to
a firm, crisp texture and good color.
Neatness
10. Make it simple not overcrowded.
Overcrowding the salad will cause its flavors to blend together and
change the outcome.
refers to the use of minimal ingredients to create a fresh and flavorful
dish. This can include a mix of crisp greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or
arugula, paired with simple toppings like cherry tomatoes, cucumber,
and red onion.
Simplicity
11. Contrast refers to the difference between two colors. In a
salad, contrast can be achieved by using colors that are
opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green,
or by using colors with different levels of brightness or
saturation. For example, a salad with dark green lettuce, bright
red tomatoes, and golden yellow bell peppers would have
strong contrast.
Contrast and Harmony
Color
12. While there are no strict rules for food combinations in salad, here are some
general guidelines to consider:
1. Acidic dressings: If you're using a dressing with vinegar or citrus juice, it's
best to add it to the salad just before serving to prevent the ingredients
from getting soggy.
2. Leafy greens: Start with a base of leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or
arugula.
3. Protein: Add protein like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, beans, or tofu
to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Remember to balance the flavors and textures in your salad for a delicious
and satisfying meal.
Proper Food
Combination
13. In a salad, the ingredients should be easily identifiable and
distinguishable from each other. This means that the vegetables,
fruits, and other components should be cut into recognizable
pieces and not be too finely chopped or blended together. This
allows the eater to see and appreciate the textures and colors of
each ingredient, making the salad more visually appealing and
enjoyable to eat. Additionally, it ensures that there is a good
balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
Foods Should be
Recognizable
14. When preparing a salad, it's important to keep the
ingredients properly chilled, but not ice-cold, to ensure
food safety and maintain the texture and freshness of the
vegetables.
Keep foods properly
chilled, but not ice-cold
15. Washing and drying the vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or
bacteria, and ensuring that they are crisp and not wilted or soggy.
This can be achieved by using fresh, high-quality ingredients, storing
them properly, and adding dressings and other toppings at the right
time to prevent the salad from becoming watery or mushy. By
following these practices, you can create a salad that is not only
delicious but also healthy and safe to eat.
keep it clean
and crispy
16. A salad can be described as flavorful when it has a combination of
delicious and distinct tastes that excite the taste buds. This can be
achieved by using a variety of fresh and high-quality ingredients such
as crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy citrus fruits, savory nuts, and
aromatic herbs. Additionally, the dressing used can add depth and
complexity to the flavors, making the salad more delicious and
satisfying. Overall, a flavorful salad should be a delightful and
enjoyable experience for the senses.
Flavorful
17. When preparing a salad, it's important to drain any excess liquid
from the ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
This can be done by rinsing the ingredients under running water and
then using a colander or strainer to allow the water to drain away.
Alternatively, you can use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to
absorb any excess moisture. By draining the ingredients well, you'll
ensure that your salad has the right texture and doesn't become
soggy or watery.
Drain all the
Ingredients well
18. Overcooking food, especially in salads, can result in mushy and
unappetizing textures. In salads, ingredients such as lettuce, cucumbers,
and tomatoes are typically served raw to maintain their crispness and
freshness. Overcooking these ingredients can cause them to wilt, lose
their crunch, and become soggy. This can negatively impact the overall
texture and presentation of the salad. To avoid overcooking, it's best to
wash and prepare these ingredients gently and to dress the salad just
before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. By following these
tips, you can ensure that your salads are fresh, crisp, and delicious.
Do not overcooked
