Like clockwork every spring I start craving more raw food, especially salads. But a plate of raw vegetables can become monotonous and unsatisfying.

How to make satisfying salads

Texture: contrast crisp and raw vegetables with:

• blanched/grilled/barbecued/roasted vegetables
• nuts and seeds
• croutons
• avocado.

Protein adds satiety to a meal. Some protein additions include:

• cooked/canned or sprouted legumes
• crispy tempeh
• smoked, poached or canned fish
• poached or roasted meat
• boiled egg (chicken or quail)
• nuts and seeds.

Zing and salt to enliven the flavours add:

• capers
• fresh herbs
• olives
• pickles
• samphire
• anchovies
• citrus zest or preserved lemons.

Dressings

A great dressing brings all the salad ingredients together. Even a plate of leafy greens can be transformed by a basic vinaigrette.

Basic vinaigrette

1/3 lemon juice or vinegar (sherry, balsamic etc.)
2/3 oil (olive, macadamia etc.)
Pinch of salt
A little dollop of Dijon mustard

Whisk ingredients together or shake in a jar

Once you’ve nailed a basic vinaigrette try something new, to take your salad to the next level.

The Green goddess  is my favourite, especially to make some leftover avocado or herbs go further.

For some extra goodness give tahini dressings a go.

Salads from the archive

Brown rice and tuna

Carrot and daikon

Vegetable and tempeh

Cos leaf ‘bowl’

Shredded greens

Gado gado

Baked vegetable salad

Asian inspired slaw

Middle Eastern slaw

Spring salad with tempeh

Carrot and daikon

Bean salad with “pesto”

Roasted cauliflower and chickpea

Confused about food? We can work together from any where in the world. I support #nodietculture. My aim is to help you create a way of eating that makes noyou feel good. To get started, simply book a Wellbeing Plan.

For a simple and delicious recipe in your inbox every month, subscribe to Gill’s monthly newsletter.

Similar Posts:

• Recipe: carrot and daikon salad
• How to make raw greens taste great
• Recipe: roasted cauliflower and chickpea salad
• Recipe: meal in a bowl spring salad
• Recipe: Roast cauliflower and sweet potato salad