Dress for successSprinkle on the herbs
Dill, parsley, cilantro, sorrel, and mint
will give fl avor and freshness to any
salad. Day often gravitates to dill
because “it’s so versatile, you can go
in many directions with it—Greek,
Middle Eastern, or Italian.” Stay away
from heartier herbs like rosemary
and thyme, which are too tough.Finish with crunch
Instead of the standard croutons,
play around with unexpected
toppings. Day likes to toss crispy
shallots, kernels of fresh summer corn,
crumbled falafel, crushed tortilla
chips, fried sage leaves, and even
sliced spring rolls into her salads.“The right dressing will add a balance of bright, sweet, and salty fl avors
to your salad,” Day says. “My go-to is a mix of vinegar and /or lemon
juice, olive oil, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and Dijon mustard.” Here,
Day gives her four key rules to shaking up your dressing game.TASTE IT on a piece of lettuce,
instead of a spoon, to make sure
that it plays well.TO BUST A VINAIGRETTE RUT,
add tahini, almond butter,
or peanut butter to lemon- or
lime-juice dressings. They give
great fl avor and extra nutrition,
and they’re natural thickeners.TOSS GREEN SALADS with
dressing just before serving them.
Cabbage, kale, grain, and beet
salads can be dressed in advance
because they won’t get soggy.USE YOUR HANDSto gently mix
your salad instead of tongs to
avoid crushing or bruising tender
lettuce leaves and vegetables.Go with diff erent greens
Lettuce of all varieties—spring mix,
curly leaf, arugula—is great. But to
send your salad in a more exciting
direction, experiment with dandelion
greens, endive, shredded brussels
sprouts, shaved zucchini, parsley, and
celery leaves, Day says.JULY/AUGUST 2019 72 SHAPE.COM
Your Salad Needs More Fat
It’s the one thing many of us fail to add enough of,
says nutritionist Stephanie Middleberg, R.D.N. “People tend
to make salad too skimpy,” she says. “Healthy fat gives
it staying power.” For maximum satisfaction, include two
healthy fats in your bowl. “Try half an avocado or eight
to 10 olives,” Middleberg says. Other top options include
two tablespoons of sesame or pumpkin seeds; two
tablespoons of walnuts, which contain heart-healthy
omega-3 fatty acids; or a dollop of hummus.TOSS IT UP
a notch
These three components will
take your salad to the next level.