7 Secrets To Restaurant-Quality Salads

Have you ever wondered why your homemade salad never tastes the same as the one you order in restaurants? If you enjoy eating a salad every time you go out, chances are you notice the special taste it has compared to the one you try to recreate at home. 

For most people, homemade and restaurant salads greatly differ in terms of texture, colors, and fragrances, with the restaurant salad full of flavor that fills every bite. So, if you really want to recreate the taste of restaurant salads, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and learn different tips that will upgrade your homemade salad recipe. 

So, it's time to take a peek into what goes into the salad you know and enjoy. Here are all the tips and tricks that will guide you in successfully making restaurant-quality salads:

1. Mix Different Greens

If you enjoy salads, you might have noticed that a great percentage have lettuce. If you religiously add lettuce to your salad, it might be time to switch it up by adding other greens you enjoy eating. 

If you are an avid gardener, you can find the best types of lettuce to grow that can diversify your palate. When choosing different greens, consider the crunch and texture in your bowl. For instance, if you enjoy some spice in your salad, go for a Watercress, Arugula, or both. 

Remember to add your favorite vegetable for the perfect salad combination. All the vegetables you add should complement and balance each other out.

2. Add A Protein Of Your Choice

If your salad isn't filling and you wonder where you are going wrong with it, chances are you aren't adding the protein of your choice. Adding a protein or two of your choice is a great way to minimize cravings and keep you full and fueled for hours. 

If you are a vegetarian or are sticking to a vegan diet, you can find plant-based proteins such as black beans, tempeh, quinoa, nuts, and tofu, amongst many others. Other protein options include bacon, seared steak, grilled chicken, smoked salmon sliced, deli turkey, and hard-boiled eggs.

3. Curate The Right Salad Dressing

The salad dressing will greatly affect the taste of your salad. For your salad to have that extra kick, you need to find fresh ingredients to make them. To form the base, add three parts oil to one part vinegar before anything else you love. 

To customize it, puree different berries and add mustard or honey for more flavor. Alternatively, settle for a creamy dressing consisting of mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream. 

Remember to add the dressing a little at a time, then pre-toss it. Tossing your salad distributes and balances all the flavors—making it more sumptuous with every bite. 

4. Fats Are Good

If you are afraid of fat, you might be surprised that restaurants use them in their salads. The right fat will incorporate flavor and make it taste even better. You can incorporate fat through your dressing but also with additional ingredients.

The most popular fat option many restaurants use is avocado; you can also incorporate it into your salads. Alternatively, you can use nuts, seeds, and soft cheese as a source of good fat. It's all about what you prefer.

5. Create Balance Using Sweet Flavors

Add some sweet fruits to curb your cravings and satisfy your sweet tooth. Settle for dried blueberries, watermelon, or fresh citrus, depending on your preference. Sweet flavors are the best way to balance the taste and flavor of your salad.

6. Incorporate More Colors Using Toppings

Most restaurant salads tend to look colorful, thus boosting their quality, and you can recreate the same at home using colorful toppings. Some great additions include purple cabbage, yellow corn, red tomatoes, bell peppers, orange carrots, pale cucumbers, etc. Make sure to balance the colors to achieve an aesthetic look.

7. Use Spinner

If you've eaten salads in a restaurant, you can attest that most aren't served soggy. And to have the same outcome, it might be time to get a salad spinner. This nifty kitchen tool will prevent the salad dressing from clinging to the wet greens and giving it a watered-down taste.

Bottom Line

Salads are the best way to add healthy vegetables to your diet. If you want your homemade salad to be on par with restaurant-quality salads, make sure you add different types of greens, mix and match different textures, flavors, and even add a good amount of fats and proteins. Take note of the tips mentioned above to recreate the best-tasting salads at home!

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