RECIPE MAGIC!

THE GREAT SALAD GUIDE & A PHENOMENAL DRESSING
(Hint: Not Store Bought!)
Here's our top 10 list of salad ingredients. Lots of Canadian pulses (lentils, peas, and the rest). Leading the pack is our own fresh olive oil and balsamic. The rest is up to you!

1. & 2. OUR MINI OILS AND BALSAMICS 

How to dress your salad: no recipe required!

After layering your ingredients into a bowl, toss gently then drizzle olive oil and gently toss to cover all parts of your salad. The oil should just coat the leaves until they glisten. Then add 1 tsp of your favourite aged balsamic. Lightly toss one more time. Always coat with olive oil first. Adding balsamic first could wilt your greens. This is where using only the freshest olive oil is key. After final toss, salt to taste. 

GREAT OIL & BALSAMIC DUOS:
Tuscan Herb & Traditional 
Milanesa Gremolata & Key Lime
Herbes de Provence & Red Apple
Persian Lime & Cranberry Pear
Garlic & Sicilian Lemon
Wild Mushroom Sage & Black Mission Fig
Rosemary & Gravenstein Apple
Lemon Oil & Honey Ginger

3. POWERHOUSE GREENS

Last to go in, but your salad's essential foundation are these superfood options: watercress, chard, bok choy, curly & broad leaf lettuce, kale or spinach. Option: Lightly sautee your chopped greens in fresh olive oil for 1-2 minutes, then drain and cool on paper towel before placing in jar.

4. ROASTED OR GRILLED VEGGIES

Tomatoes, onions, red peppers, sweet potatoes and zucchini are richer and sweeter when they're grilled or roasted.  Make a large batch on the weekend, then use all week. 

5. TANGY OR MEATY CHEESES

Cheese has always been a go-to protein in salads. We suggest you up the flavour by grating harder cheeses that are tangy and meaty: Parmigiano-Reggiano, crumbly feta, blue or asiago, and a classic Canadian stand-by, a well-aged, sharp cheddar.


6. GLUTEN FREE GRAINS AND LENTILS

Virtually any grain or lentil can be the start of something great adding gorgeous texture and nuttiness to any salad. Try quinoa, farro, rice, and red or green lentils, too. Place in your jar first making sure there is no moisture left on grains or lentils after prep. 

7. THE OTHER TUNA

Like its fresh counterpart, yellow fin tuna from a can - packed in oil - is big on flavour, and meaty in texture. Unlike its canned-in-water cousin, it adds gourmet depth to any salad.

 

8. ZUCCHINI NOODLES

Skip the leafy greens and replace with zucchini noodles. A totally fresh take on a pasta salad.  All you need is a spiralizer then magically take ho-hum zucchini to new heights.  

 

9. PROSCIUTTO (PARMA HAM)

The salty, silky smoothness of prosciutto brings luxury to mid-day lunch. It's a tad expensive but a little goes a very long way. Add a few shaved pieces to your mason jar and produce major lunch envy. 

10. BEANS

The simple bean, a powerhouse of flavour, texture and nutrition. Chickpea, kidney, Great Northern, cannellini, butter, pinto or fava - their range of contrast with greens is magic. Cook well if using fresh. Rinse well if using from a can. But drain and dry completely before adding to your salad ingredients.