While Ireland isn’t exactly renowned for its good weather, we have had reasonably good weather for the last few weeks with even a few days that could be considered “hot”.
You can eat salads all year round, but it’s definitely “easier” to do so during the summer months. Apart from anything else shops seems to stock more salad related ingredients and run more offers on fresh vegetables.
At this time of year I try to have salad most days. I say “most days”, as having salad every single day can get a little bit boring.
So varying the ingredients can help a lot!
The staples I use for the basis of most salads are:
- red onions (if I have them)
- garlic
- iceberg lettuce OR mixed salad from the supermarket
- tomatoes
- balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- herbs
Other ingredients will vary depending on what I have in the cupboards and fridge so I can end up adding things like:
- tuna – preferably in olive oil
- steak – grilled on the George Foreman and sliced up it’s a wonderful addition to a salad base
- chicken – either grilled on the George Foreman or chunks
- sardines – possibly not to everyone’s taste, but if you’re getting tired of tuna they’re a good alternative
- mozzarella – one of my favourite cheeses
- hard boiled eggs
- pickled beetroot
- olives – stoned obviously – there’s nothing more annoying than ending up biting into an olive and nearly breaking a tooth!
- celery
- carrot – I tend to grate it
- peppers – fresh green, red or yellow peppers (yum!)
- mushrooms – wonderful if they’re fresh. If they’re a bit “tired” you’re better off cooking them.
- apple
- nuts
- pasta
- rocket
What’s amazing about a good salad is how full it makes you feel, yet the calorie count (depending on the ingredients) is still quite low..
