A lot of the time, people turn their noses up at salad because it is perceived as being too bland and boring. We believe that is because they just don’t understand that you really can spice up a salad with a punchy, flavoursome dressing.
So, rather than sticking to the boring Caesar, why not go bold and try one of our five flavoursome choices designed to put a kick back into your bowl of leaves.
1. Honey-Lemon
A simple, but effective and tasty choice to start. The unpasteurised honey will add sweetness and is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to boost your immune system. Furthermore, the Vitamin C and potassium in the lemon will help to perk you up for the rest of the day. Simply whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, season to taste and drizzle over.
2. Balsamic-Honey
This tangy, sharp dressing makes a great replacement for Caesar sauce. The wholegrain mustard really brings the whole dish together with verve, while the honey gives you a welcome burst of fructose at the end. Mix 1 teaspoon of wholegrain mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, two teaspoons of olive oil, season to taste and gently toss your salad through it, ensuring an even coating.
3. Honey-Apple
If you prefer a sweeter, stickier dressing, then give this recipe a try. It’s a bit indulgent, but it really does work great with Waldorf salad, or drizzled on top of mixed leaves, nuts, fruit, and crumbly feta cheese. Just combine 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon apple-cider vinegar, four teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and season to taste.
4. Honey BBQ Vinaigrette
When you fancy something a little different, why not give this recipe a try? It’s less suited for leafy salads, but makes a lovely glaze for chicken breasts or for a BBQ Smoked Salmon, and you can be sure the wholesome flavour will spread throughout the entire dish. Mix together two tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of BBQ Sauce, two tablespoons vinegar, two tablespoons lemon juice, four tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and season to taste. Either drizzle liberally over cooked chicken or salmon, letting drops flick away on your salad, or glaze generously before cooking.
5. Honey-Mustard Mayonnaise
If you prefer your dressing to be a bit saucier and substantial, then give this final recipe a try. It combines the natural thickness of mayonnaise with the gooey stickiness of honey for a dressing that is full on flavour and sure to shine amongst your salad. Whisk together four tablespoons of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of Dijon mustard, three tablespoons of honey, two teaspoons of vinegar, one teaspoon of lemon juice and season to taste. Pour gently as the thick sauce will come out slowly.
Having a salad shouldn’t be seen as boring and hopefully, these recipes will help change that. With a little bit of thought, a bit of imagination and thankfully very little time, you can make a winning accompaniment in no time.
