One is called a composed salad where all of the ingredients are dressed, then arranged on individual plates in an elegant presentation. Most of us are used to the casual tossed salad where all of the ingredients are mixed together in a salad bowl along with the vinaigrette. There is no way to coat all of the parts of the salad, some parts are swimming in dressing and others are dry. Finally, there is chopped salad where all of the components are cut into bite sized pieces, but large enough to be picked up on a fork. This salad is dressed and allowed to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Texture is crucial.
You want a contrast of crunch and soft. Remember, whenever you place some leaves of lettuce on a plate, as a garnish or a bed, they should be very lightly dressed, even with just a few drops of oil. When hunger strikes and the thought of tucking into a large hot meal is unappealing, try these delicious summer salads that will sate your appetite and leave you refreshed. About Joyce Goldstein Joyce Goldstein is a consultant to the restaurant and food industries. In addition, she taught cooking for 18 years.