Lettuce Celebrate Summer Salads
You know it’s peak salad season when the store shelves are brimming with summer produce! Are you bored of your go-to salad recipe or searching for inspiration? Aramark Chef Tom Ramsey and Aramark Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Mackenzie Proctor (pictured below) are here to help you take your salads to the next level. From different flavor pairings to new techniques, their tips will make your salads sing in no time.
All About that Base
What first comes to mind when you think of salads? Greens, of course! “Greens add lots of volume to your salad with very few calories,” says Mackenzie. Choose dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach and arugula, which are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as the B-vitamins that provide you with the energy you need to power through the day.
A Fresh Take
Test out new techniques on your toppings! Chef Tom suggests methods such as roasting, marinating, or pickling in-season veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Looking for more tips and tricks? Break out of your comfort zone with these ideas to play with summertime produce.
It’s Crunch Time
While fresh fruits and veggies add layers of texture to your base, there are so many ways to add a bit more crunch to your salad. “Crunch makes a salad fun to eat. Think about a handful of sliced almonds, roasted edamame, or pumpkin seeds,” suggests Chef Tom. Or give toasted bread croutons a whirl with our take on a Tuscan salad.
Note: Since everyone’s health history and nutritional needs are so different, please make sure that you talk with your doctor and a registered dietitian to get advice about the diet and exercise plan that‘s right for you.