*When you have time, toasting the nuts is an effective way to step up the flavors! Add the nuts to a dry skillet and toast for 3 to five minutes over medium warmth, stirring ceaselessly. Instantly take away to a plate. See The right way to Toast Pecans, The right way to Toast Almonds, or The right way to Toast Walnuts. Different variations on the nuts embody hazelnuts, chopped pistachios, candied pecans, or candied walnuts.
**Cheese is optionally available however provides a welcome savory distinction. We like feta cheese or goat cheese crumbles. Gorgonzola or Parmesan cheese additionally work. Omit cheese for a vegan salad and use maple syrup within the dressing.
Leftover and make forward suggestions: Salads are notoriously suboptimal as leftovers, as they get soggy over time. We wish to plate particular person salads when serving and easily drizzle the dressing over every plate or bowl. If making prematurely, chop the parts and retailer them refrigerated in separate particular person containers. Straight earlier than serving, permit the dressing to return to room temperature, then plate every salad.
Different salad dressing choices embody Poppy Seed Dressing, Strawberry French dressing, or Citrus Salad Dressing.
Contemplate including protein to make it a major dish! Strive hen like Parmesan crusted hen, grilled hen, or blackened hen, salmon like baked salmon, pan seared salmon, or grilled salmon, or tofu like baked tofu, crispy tofu, or grilled tofu.
