Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Salad

Salad usually makes people think of a green salad full of lettuce. Sure, you may see a tomato or cucumber slice peeking through, but it is mostly lettuce. Did you know that not every type of lettuce is the same? Iceberg is one of the most common types of lettuce served. It has a nice crunch, but not much flavor or nutrition. Choose dark green and red leaf lettuces for more color, flavor, and nutrition.

Vegetables of all sorts can also be used in green salads. Cauliflower, onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and many others are often mixed with lettuce or served as a veggie mix to make a salad. Green ones are served with a dressing that pulls the dish together and adds flavor. Cole slaw would be included in this category, as it consists of shredded cabbage, sometimes other veggies, and a dressing.

Cooked beans are used for three bean. Made from kidney beans, garbanzo beans and green or wax beans, this salad is a summer favorite. It needs very little refrigeration to remain safe to eat, so it is often carted off to picnics. Caprese looks elegant and tastes delicious. It is made of slices of tomato alternated with slices of mozzarella cheese and leaves of basil. It is simply dressed with olive oil or balsamic vinegar.

Non-green salads are also popular. Potato, macaroni, and egg are only a few of these summer favorites. The main ingredient is mixed with a few others and dressed with a thick, mayonnaise-based dressing. There are many regional and personal variations of these recipes. Pasta is usually not included with macaroni. It has a lighter dressing and may include ingredients like olives, nuts, seafood and all sorts of delicacies. Somen is a pasta salad from Japan. It is a cold kind made from somen noodles, a sauce that may include chicken broth and a garnish of chopped vegetable or egg on top.

Fruit versions are a favorite. Chunks of fruit are usually served with whipped cream or in gelatin. You can use seasonal fruits like peaches, pears and strawberries or you can try canned fruits like fruit cocktail. Bananas work well in gelatin verities. They can be served as a side dish or as a dessert.

Meat versions can be prepared in a couple of different ways. When you want to highlight the meat, such as a nice piece of grilled chicken or some grilled shrimp, arrange the bite size pieces on a bed of greens. If you want to make a chicken salad recipe, mix your cut up chicken pieces with the dressing and whatever other ingredients your particular recipe calls for. Serve on lettuce or as a sandwich spread for a wonderful lunch.

With so many to choose from, these are just a few of the favorites. The majority of these are served as a cold dish, but there are a few that are served warm. German potato or wilted lettuce come to mind. Use them as side dishes or a main dish.

Looking for some tasty baked chicken recipes how about our garlic chicken recipes as good tasting as it is for you.