Salads

sal·ad

/ˈsaləd/

noun

noun: salad; plural noun: salads

a cold dish of various mixtures of raw or cooked vegetables, usually seasoned with oil, vinegar, or other dressing and sometimes accompanied by meat, fish, or other ingredients.

I include the definition as salad is not just lettuce thrown on a plate.  It is to be carefully constructed to accent the meal as a whole.  Not so big you fill up before the meal, rather a precursor of what's to come.

Let's start with picking the Lettuce or background for your salad.

(Opinion) Since the very late ‘70’s and early ‘80s we have seen Mesclun (or Spring Mix) everywhere.  In past years it has become overused and due to it’s genetic engineering, sadly it has become, basically, tasteless.  You will find items like arugula in it that lends bitterness, but by in large, it's become like eating paper with dressing. 

There are so many options for salad greens!If you don't see something you like here, I suggest you go to your local Asian market for a whole new twist on what you're used to!

Once you have committed to your leafy base, it will be necessary to add both color and taste.  Be careful not to serve these in large chunks!   Just be creative utilizing interesting colors and shapes.

Staples of a salad:

Red onion, thinly sliced

Radishes

Cucumbers (seeded or with seeds. Consider if the remainder of the salad is to be stored in the refrigerator, if left with seeds, cucumbers will weep)