The art of a composed salad.
I am a fan of the composed salad. Instead of just tossing all the ingredients together in a salad bowl, the main components are artfully arranged. I often line the ingredients in rows across a platter, but when working with a bowl, wedges seem to make more sense. Begin with a base of greens, then decide on what goes where according to colors and shapes. Note how the carrots and beans are rounder items and they’re across from each other. The red bell peppers and the red tomatoes are also not adjacent. I thought the beans popped more when placed between the bright yellow corn and red tomatoes. There’s no real right or wrong, just use your judgment and it will be lovely!! Shake up the ingredients any way you like. Some cheese chunks would be would be a great substitute for those beans. I love hearts of palm, too, and use them interchangeably with artichoke hearts. Make sure you try my favorite balsamic vinaigrette (link in the recipe). Just make sure to use a good quality vinegar for the best results.
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- Yield: 4 -6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 ounces baby spinach (tough stems removed)
- 2 ears fresh corn (cooked, then kernels sliced off the cob)
- 1 to mato (cubed)
- ½ English cucumber (peeled and cubed)
- 1 jar artichoke hearts (drained and cut in half)
- 1-2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
- Black beans (I used about half a can, drained and rinsed)
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Place spinach in a large serving bowl.
- Arrange toppings over spinach.
- Whisk vinaigrette and drizzle over salad before serving. Toss and serve.
- Category: Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the beans with cheese in this salad?
Yes, you can replace the beans with cheese chunks for a different flavor and texture, making sure to arrange them artfully among the other ingredients.
What kind of vinegar should I use for the balsamic vinaigrette?
It’s best to use a good quality balsamic vinegar to ensure the vinaigrette enhances the flavors of the salad.
How should I arrange the ingredients in the salad for the best presentation?
Aim to arrange the ingredients based on colors and shapes, placing round items like carrots and beans opposite each other and avoiding having the red bell peppers next to the red tomatoes.
