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Garden salads are very quick and easy to make. They are tasty, especially in the summer when all the vegetables are fresh. They are also highly nutritious and are a great alternative to other snacks. In addition, they are also great as a side dish, or as a meal by themselves. Whatever way you choose to eat your garden salads, they are sure to be hit.
As with any other salad, garden salads do not have to be bland, as you can spice them up with your favorite home-made dressings, spices, herbs and vinaigrettes. Produce that goes well in garden salads include tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, onions, bell peppers and leafy greens. Basically, any vegetable that you can grow in a garden will go good in a garden salad.
Use the Freshest Produce Available
If you can, always use fresh produce from the garden. If you don't have one, you can try growing your own garden in pots on your patio, or indoors with the help of growing lights. You should also s hop at local farmer's markets in order to ensure that you are purchasing the freshest produce available. Another thing, is to consume the produce within a day or two of purchasing. The reason you want fresh, is because you want the most nutrients. The longer the produce sits, the more nutrients are lost. And the more nutrients that are lost, the less filling the salad will be.
Another note when it comes to freshness, is to make your salad the day that you will eat it. It will keep in the fridge for a day or two, but eating it the day the vegetables were chopped is best for optimum nutrition.
Always Use Home-made Dressings
Always use home-made salad dressings for all your garden salads. They are quick and easy to make, and are just as tasty as any dressing that you can purchase from the grocery store aisle.
To make your own dressings, you will need an oil, such as olive oil. You can also use a mashed avocado, as they too are high in he althy fats. Then to the oil, or avocado, you simply add some lemon juice and sea salt for a real simple dressing. You can also add many other herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, rosemary, turmeric and cayenne pepper for a super rich salad dressing.
Add Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are also great in any garden salad. You can lightly toast them prior to adding them to the salad. Just make sure to allow the nuts and seeds to cool before adding them to the salad.
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