Cooking

Get excited by salads

Welcome to my brand new blog. I think it's time to make it easier to dive into a fun, healthy salading lifestyle. This blog is designed to show, from two different perspectives, the fun and easy ways that salads can enhance your life. Pop in when you can, share recipes with your friends, and have fun.

I know how busy you are – I’m very busy too of course. It’s a matter of taking small steps and integrating yourself with people that embody the lifestyle you envision.

Don’t feel intimidated! Start small; here are a few simple ways to gain confidence with salads:

Go fresh! When you do your weekly shop, start at the produce section. Buy all your usual favourites, but maybe try something you’ve never tried or that you don’t usually buy, whether that’s broccoli (and use the stems), yellow capsicums, baby eggplant, a different kind of lettuce or mandarin… See what’s in season, what’s on sale, what your favorite varieties are, and build your salads around that. The other day I was in the produce section and I could smell the sweet strawberries from the next aisle; I had to get some! If you don’t know how to cook something, the Love My Salad salapedia section can teach you about the ingredient, and if you’re unsure of what to pair it with, search with the name of the veggie in the Love My Salad recipes to see what other people like.

Start chopping! Set up a raw/parcooked veggie platter (carrots, red, yellow, and green capsicum, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower) with a few yummy dips or dressings for a gathering of friends.

Be brave! Try cooking your favourite veggies in a different manner. If you’ve never grilled a peach, you are missing out. Add them to raw/grilled veggie skewers as an unexpected treat. I also love red capsicum and recently tried pan searing slices with a bit of olive oil and lemon on very high heat, just to char the skin, and it gives it a sweetness you don’t get when you have it raw or oven roasted. A bit of feta and I’m in heaven!

Of course it can be a little overwhelming when you see supermodels and supermoms with their kale smoothies and 20 ingredient salads; however, salading encompasses a huge range of lifestyles. Families, middle aged and making better choices, teenagers, college aged – anyone can want to revitalise their life and start becoming the person you want to be.

I’m so looking forward to sharing some great recipes and ideas with you, but I want to know about YOUR journey! Tell us your story; whether you are finding our site for the first time, or are still working up the courage to submit your own recipe, or are just looking to reignite your passion for a fresh, natural, healthy lifestyle, let us know where you are at. I think this is going to be a great addition to your life, and I know that with your help, Love my Salad can be a fantastic community to inspire and support your love of salads. See you next time!

Susan.