By JENNIFER MATHEWS
Ina Garten's Salads Are Never Soggy Thanks To One Dressing Tip
A salad of fresh, seasonal produce can be the star of a meal, but timing is key. Chef Ina Garten's technique allows you to prepare a salad in advance without leaves turning soggy.
To construct a salad, Garten pours her dressing into the bottom of the bowl and layers her leaves and other ingredients on top. She delays tossing the salad until serving.
If you're composing the salad just before serving, drizzle the dressing along the bowl's perimeter before gently mixing it. This prevents excessive handling of delicate leaves.
If you're composing the salad just before serving, drizzle the dressing along the bowl's perimeter before gently mixing it. This prevents excessive handling of delicate leaves.
She also suggests setting aside a portion of dressing if you want to eat it the next day and thoroughly drying your greens, as wet leaves lead to bland, slimy salads.
Garten's method also works for salads on the go and multi-ingredient salads, like chopped salads. Remember to layer crisper components like nuts, seeds, and croutons on top.