The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => The Restaurant => Topic started by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 12:38:50 PM

Title: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 12:38:50 PM
OK I am trying to be healthy at the moment and eat more salads etc. But it is getting booooooorrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnngggggggg.

So how can you pep up a salad ( absolutley no celery allowed anywhere near it  sick2: ) ?
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: apc2010 on June 15, 2011, 12:40:25 PM
I find a big fat steak on top helps............ cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 12:53:46 PM
Tipsy is the expert
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 01:02:56 PM
OK I am trying to be healthy at the moment and eat more salads etc. But it is getting booooooorrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnngggggggg.

So how can you pep up a salad ( absolutley no celery allowed anywhere near it  sick2: ) ?

We use different leaves, different dressings etc. Also I like salads with various cold beans (red kidney beans, broad beans, pinto beans etc) Olives can give it a lift as can a couple of chopped anchovies. Spicy rice salad is nice and a lot can be done with cold pasta (the tri-colour type makes it look good too).
When dieting I find making "an occasion" of the meal helps so set the table (even if you are eating alone) put out a glass and jug of juice or water in place of wine, light a candle etc. Make the dish look good and in the right setting you can forget you are eating only a salad.
As far as I am concerned a salad is more than Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber and Radish, topped with half a hard-boiled egg ~ which was my Mother's idea of a salad.

Bung in olives, chilli peppers etc crumbled cheese (Goat's Cheese is good or Mozzarella)  .... but don't forget that salads tend to be very low on Carbs and you need to make sure you have some carbohydrates as well.

Sometimes I top a salad with slices of apple or orange, even sliced banana and a sprinkling of bacon bits or croutons (to up the carbs)

Go here for a whole list of ideas.
http://www.sunshinerecipes.com/salads.shtml (http://www.sunshinerecipes.com/salads.shtml)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 01:04:27 PM
 worthy:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 01:13:31 PM
On the subject of diets (which are a permanent feature of a diabetics life) when in Holland recently I enjoyed a brekky of two soft boiled eggs (takes 4 minutes) with Asparagus spears for "soldiers" ... very few calories but kept my blood sugar levels in good order for 5 hours until lunch. The asparagus is in season and can be eaten raw or cooked (for no longer than the eggs).
Chopped asparagus also goes well with salads.


PS I can't stand celery either ~ unless it is braised in butter which is a no-no for me for obvious reasons)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 01:16:35 PM
F*ck me ~ two sensible answers ..... Sometimes I surprise myself!
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Darwins Selection on June 15, 2011, 01:41:25 PM
F*ck me ~ two sensible answers ..... Sometimes I surprise myself!

And the rest of us. ;)

Did you infer that soft boiling 2 eggs takes 4 minutes, but there is a different time for a different number of eggs?  rubschin:

P.S. Asparagus is universally referred to in this household as "A Sparrows Arse"  redface:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 01:43:39 PM
I find turnips go well with salid  whistle:

And that is the second time DS has said infer when he means imply  noooo:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Darwins Selection on June 15, 2011, 01:44:51 PM
I find turnips go well with salid  whistle:

And that is the second time DS has said infer when he means imply  noooo:

You are not wrong.  redface:

Glad somebody is awake.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 01:46:23 PM
 angel1
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pastis on June 15, 2011, 01:47:01 PM
F*ck me ~ two sensible answers ..... Sometimes I surprise myself!

 lol:  and some good suggestions in there too.

The Niçoise I made the other night (forgetting the tuna, obviously, oh and anchovies  ::) ) had new potatoes, french beans (both left to cool), olives green and black, feta cheese, parsley, coriander, spinach leaf, baby red leaf, mizuna, and egg ... Lahhvely  razz: 
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 01:49:11 PM
 worthy:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 01:53:47 PM
Olives  sick2:

Feta / goats cheese  sick2:

Anchovies  sick2: sick2: sick2:

But still some good suggestions  cloud9:

Maybe you can design me a salad a day ...I know you have nothing better to do  lol:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 01:58:38 PM
Goat's cheese  cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 01:59:11 PM
That is under the Sock Food classification in the Foods of Wrongness  noooo:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:07:38 PM
F*ck me ~ two sensible answers ..... Sometimes I surprise myself!

And the rest of us. ;)

Did you infer that soft boiling 2 eggs takes 4 minutes, but there is a different time for a different number of eggs?  rubschin:

P.S. Asparagus is universally referred to in this household as "A Sparrows Arse"  redface:

I find with free range, fresh, eggs 4 minutes if put into boiling water, gets them just right for me. Others may prefer 3 minutes or five minutes ~ depends on personal taste and preferences.
Asparagus is known to us as Asperge or Spargel (Dutch & German respectively). That which we buy fresh in Holland is white but asking for that in the UK is like looking for hen's teeth. One local grower on the Wirral (Nick will know it) told me I was mad and that green is better but I can assure you it isn't.
Olives  sick2:  What do you put in a dry martini?

Feta / goats cheese  sick2: Try a good crumbly English cheese ~ Wensleydale or Stilton (if you like blue cheese) works well

Anchovies  sick2: sick2: sick2: Use only a couple and chopped finely you won't know they are there ~ again what do you put in a Bloody Mary if not Worcester Sauce and that is made with anchovies

But still some good suggestions  cloud9:

Maybe you can design me a salad a day ...I know you have nothing better to do  lol: Of course  ::) Just sitting on me arse all day long, twiddling me thumbs.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pastis on June 15, 2011, 02:09:31 PM
Where d'you stand on mozzarella MissD ?

(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.kaboose.com%2Fmedia%2F00%2F00%2F09%2F85%2Fd04ac5677a4f2cdecabef999c04b72f2f89408af%2F476x357%2Farticle-Caprese-Salad-A_476x357.jpg&hash=bca2dd15e909af037ddacef9c5b359caf2ee2314)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:10:07 PM
I fear blue cheese may also be classified as "sock food"  noooo:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:15:46 PM
I fear blue cheese may also be classified as "sock food"  noooo:

Prolly  ::)

I hate picky eaters almost as much as I hate men who sit in restaurants and say to their wives "What do I like?" or "What can I have?" as they peer at the menu!  cussing:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:17:30 PM
I love cheese. The stinkier the better  cloud9:

They ought to make goat scented candles  rubschin:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:20:44 PM
I love cheese. The stinkier the better  cloud9:

They ought to make goat scented candles  rubschin:


We must do lunch soon!
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pastis on June 15, 2011, 02:22:18 PM
Then there's a whole werld of cold pasta salads  cloud9:

a handful of which appear here ...  http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/best-recipes/pasta-salad-recipes (http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/best-recipes/pasta-salad-recipes)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:22:41 PM
I love cheese. The stinkier the better  cloud9:

They ought to make goat scented candles  rubschin:


We must do lunch soon!
Preferably in the same restaurant  whistle:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:29:14 PM
I love cheese. The stinkier the better  cloud9:

They ought to make goat scented candles  rubschin:


We must do lunch soon!
Preferably in the same restaurant  whistle:


Have Sat Nav ~ can travel  ;D


Besides I wanna see your new flat (and the svelte redhead).
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:32:45 PM
Sometime in July?

http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp (http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp)

This place excels in stinky cheese and fishy stuff. Miss D and Pasties could come too  whistle:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:39:07 PM
Sometime in July?

http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp (http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp)

This place excels in stinky cheese and fishy stuff. Miss D and Pasties could come too  whistle:

Suits me ~ my burfday is the 11th July (if we need an excuse) but I'd best not go out on that day or mega trouble, sulks etc.

Let's see when others are free. Do they mind being confined to smokers corner in the garden? Hope not since you and I both puff away as we eat.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pastis on June 15, 2011, 02:41:15 PM
Sometime in July?

http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp (http://www.victoriabeeston.co.uk/food/board.asp)     Drool: Drool:

This place excels in stinky cheese and fishy stuff. Miss D and Pasties could come too  whistle:

Sounds like a plan  happy088
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: apc2010 on June 15, 2011, 02:42:22 PM
Miss D's lovely thread .......... noooo:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:48:34 PM
My local  cloud9:

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/comments.shtml/1619/ (http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/comments.shtml/1619/)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 02:52:33 PM
Back on topic  whistle:


(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.postimage.org%2F5c3bny3o%2Fcuck.jpg&hash=132c7493713fd67a27afb36420910bf67ff0feb0) (http://postimage.org/image/5c3bny3o/)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 02:55:58 PM
 lol: lol: lol: scared:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 03:06:24 PM
I don't like gherkins either  noooo:

But I AM NOT A FUSSY EATER  whistle:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 03:08:35 PM
 drumroll:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: tel on June 15, 2011, 03:13:31 PM
I eat very few vegeyables, so salads are never on my plate.

I would probably pour some brandy over it and apply a lighted match - exciting?
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
I don't like gherkins either  noooo:

But I AM NOT A FUSSY EATER  whistle:


To quote my late father "You don't know what's bloody good for you"
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 03:27:43 PM
I eat very few vegeyables, so salads are never on my plate.

I would probably pour some brandy over it and apply a lighted match - exciting?
Having been served cooked salid recently. I disagree  evil:

Pour voddy over and set alight  rubschin:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 03:29:57 PM
I eat very few vegeyables, so salads are never on my plate.

I would probably pour some brandy over it and apply a lighted match - exciting?

Marters, cucumbers etc are NOT vegetables! They are fruits that grow on vines.
Olives are fruits that grow on trees!

Pedantry mode off
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 03:30:30 PM
I eat very few vegeyables, so salads are never on my plate.

I would probably pour some brandy over it and apply a lighted match - exciting?
Having been served cooked salid recently. I disagree  evil:

Pour voddy over and set alight  rubschin:

I do a good line in warm chicken salid.  whistle:


PS It includes brandy.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 03:38:49 PM
Oh I do know what's good for me....it's just not on the menu  sad24:

Voddy salid may have some legs though or not as the case rubschin: may be
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Darwins Selection on June 15, 2011, 03:41:27 PM
Oh I do know what's good for me....it's just not on the menu  sad24:

Voddy salid may have some legs though or not as the case rubschin: may be

Cheese with legs.  cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 03:44:40 PM
Oh I do know what's good for me....it's just not on the menu  sad24:

Voddy salid may have some legs though or not as the case rubschin: may be


There's not much I can say to that without heading for Mr Gutter ~ anywhoo if you and Mr P could join us you have three in one chance of getting something you might like.
Still I 'spect you'll be on holiday.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 03:52:12 PM
Not til August. You wouldn't want a girl ruining your meaningful lol: chat anyway
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 03:55:47 PM
 sad24: sad24: sad24: sad24:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 04:00:31 PM
Not til August. You wouldn't want a girl ruining your meaningful lol: chat anyway


Of course we would love you to be there .... somebody has to do the talking  ;)

Seriously it would be nice. If you don't like the menu then we could make it somewhere else.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Darwins Selection on June 15, 2011, 04:16:48 PM
I AM NOT A FUSSY EATER  whistle:

I should hope not!

Cats taste awful.
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Snoopy on June 15, 2011, 05:09:25 PM
I AM NOT A FUSSY EATER  whistle:

I should hope not!

Cats taste awful.

 lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: tel on June 15, 2011, 05:28:59 PM
I eat very few vegeyables, so salads are never on my plate.

I would probably pour some brandy over it and apply a lighted match - exciting?

Marters, cucumbers etc are NOT vegetables! They are fruits that grow on vines.
Olives are fruits that grow on trees!

Pedantry mode off

I like rhubarb.  cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Just One More on June 15, 2011, 05:31:02 PM
Four pages in a few hours on making a salad  eeek:

So catching up on comments so far.... Snoopy mentioned fruit in salads, I’d add strawberries to that small list. Also, I often throw in pine nuts, and feta cheese is always good

Asparagus – I’ve had pounds of it this year in salads and accompanying other meals  cloud9:

Pastis, I tend to have the taters, beans and asparagus warm in my salads, particularly with baked salmon  cloud9:  cloud9:



Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on June 15, 2011, 05:33:06 PM
Fish?  scared2:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on June 15, 2011, 05:58:07 PM
Add fresh figs... Drool:

Or just slap a big juicy steak on top like apc said on page 1....
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 06:14:36 PM
Figs ...mmmmm ...not sure

Pine nuts and Wensleydale yum

Or Pine nuts and pesto yum

Or Apsaragus , tatoes, eggs yum
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pastis on June 15, 2011, 06:48:45 PM
You might like this one then ...

- Pine nuts (the kind that come in a bag)
- Avocado (the kind that comes in an avocado)   ;D
- Tomatoes (the kind that grew in a hothouse)
- Any sort of Italian salad dressing (the kind that comes in a bottle)
- Hearts of Palm (the kind that come in a can)
- Italian Salad Mix (the kind that you can get in any grocery store)
- Garlic powder (the kind that comes in a plastic container)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 06:55:03 PM
OOoooooh and marinated artichokes I absolutely love them    cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Just One More on June 15, 2011, 08:08:02 PM
You might like this one then ...

- Pine nuts (the kind that come in a bag)
- Avocado (the kind that comes in an avocado)   ;D
- Tomatoes (the kind that grew in a hothouse)
- Any sort of Italian salad dressing (the kind that comes in a bottle)
- Hearts of Palm (the kind that come in a can)
- Italian Salad Mix (the kind that you can get in any grocery store)
- Garlic powder (the kind that comes in a plastic container)

Powder!  noooo:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 15, 2011, 09:00:39 PM
Green bean salad  cloud9: cloud9: cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Pirate on June 15, 2011, 09:42:58 PM
OK I am trying to be healthy at the moment and eat more salads etc. But it is getting booooooorrrrrrriiiiiiiinnnnnngggggggg.

So how can you pep up a salad ( absolutley no celery allowed anywhere near it  sick2: ) ?

Have me prepare it for you. feed it you...in front of the open fridge...dipping strawberries in fresh cream for afters...with a chilled glass of blush Rosé

Kim Basinger having fun in 9 1/2 Weeks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7exc8b4nzOo#)
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Just One More on June 16, 2011, 04:47:13 AM
Well, that's woke me up for the day. I think Miss D would sooner have a cod fillet than Mickey Rourke though
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Demeanour on June 16, 2011, 04:55:59 AM
To be honest there is little difference ....although the cod fillet would probably have more backbone, nicer eyes and would be a better actor  lol:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on June 16, 2011, 05:12:13 AM
To be honest there is little difference ....although the cod fillet would probably have more backbone, nicer eyes and would bea better actor  lol:

happy002
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Misty on July 12, 2011, 05:13:28 PM
Question for BM.....what herb did you put on your salad the other day? was it dried oregano?...having a salad tonight and yours was yummy.   cloud9:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on July 12, 2011, 05:16:29 PM
Question for BM.....what herb did you put on your salad the other day? was it dried oregano?...having a salad tonight and yours was yummy.   cloud9:

It is a secret...  whistle:

nah, I sprinkled some dry mint on it before adding olive oil, white wine vinegar and then fresh lemon juice...  redface:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Misty on July 12, 2011, 05:18:51 PM
many thanks O wise one...... worthy:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on July 12, 2011, 05:19:54 PM
many thanks O wise one...... worthy:

You'll fuck it up... the trick is in the sprinkle...  whistle:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Nick on July 12, 2011, 05:20:44 PM
 Gayer: Gayer:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on July 12, 2011, 05:22:55 PM
Gayer: Gayer:

Ezakly... it is in the wrist action...  lol:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on July 12, 2011, 05:53:06 PM
Question for BM.....what herb did you put on your salad the other day? was it dried oregano?...having a salad tonight and yours was yummy.   cloud9:

It is a secret...  whistle:

nah, I sprinkled some dry mint on it before adding olive oil, white wine vinegar and then fresh lemon juice...  redface:

Oh no, you haven't have you?  You have I can see that you have.  Tsk BM.  Telling other Miss C that the greenfly you forgot to wash off was mint is very naughty. eveilgrin:

Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on July 12, 2011, 05:57:02 PM
Question for BM.....what herb did you put on your salad the other day? was it dried oregano?...having a salad tonight and yours was yummy.   cloud9:

It is a secret...  whistle:

nah, I sprinkled some dry mint on it before adding olive oil, white wine vinegar and then fresh lemon juice...  redface:

Oh no, you haven't have you?  You have I can see that you have.  Tsk BM.  Telling other Miss C that the greenfly you forgot to wash off was mint is very naughty. eveilgrin:

But she believed it! happy002
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Misty on July 12, 2011, 06:16:14 PM
not nice....... cry:
Title: Re: How do you make a salad exciting ?
Post by: Barman on July 12, 2011, 06:18:00 PM
not nice....... cry:

 redface: