Prepping ingredients to make salads is the easiest way to get my family to eat more vegetables.
Earlier this week, one of theEatingWelleditors shared a video from TikTok creator Melanie Cade, aka@raisingcades10.
In the video, Cade walked folks through how she preps and stocks the salad-bar refrigerator in her kitchen.
“My mom said it’s fine if I go live at your house,” said one commenter.
“I don’t want to be Designer Brands rich.
I want to be salad bar refrigerator rich,” said another.
Anyone who’s worked in a restaurant will probably recognize her salad-bar refrigerator.
Yeah, it is.
And that’s when I said, “That’s what I do, too.”
When we interview celebrities, we usually ask them, Whats always in your fridge?
And Burtkas answer was so different from the usual response of favorite condiments or beverages.
He said, A salad bar.
What a good idea, I thought.
So I decided to try Burtkas brilliant idea.
We sat down and discussed the types of ingredients we wanted to have on hand for making salads.
Then I got to work.
I have to admit, I felt a teensy bit jealous watching Cade’s video.
I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Its All About the Base
Any good salad starts with a base of leafy greens.
And I just rip the radicchio into quarters.
Sometimes Ill throw some kale leaves in there too, as we like it thinly sliced in our salads.
First, I get my food processor out and shred carrots, radishes and beets.
Then I thinly slice a bowl of redcabbage, rich in anti-inflammatory phytochemicals called anthocyanins.
If I have time, I will make my ownthisHoney-Balsamic Roasted Tofuis a family favorite.
Beans are also a go-to source ofplant-based protein.
And dont forget canned fishsardines, salmon and tuna are all go-tos.
Extras, Extras
Whilecroutonsare an obvious choice, the skys the limit here.
And dont forget cheese, olives and pickled vegetables.
I like to have two salad dressing options on hand to keep things from getting monotonous.
I almost always shake up a batch ofLemon-Garlic Vinaigrette, but some other favorites includeGreen Goddess DressingandGinger-Soy Dressing.
