As the temperature of summer prevails, light and easy foods become the staple option for most. A crisp and colorful salad not only seems easy but also serves as the tastiest option to indulge in seasonally harvested ingredients. Be it an everyday weekday lunch or a simple dish during the weekend get-togethers, it is the intentional and mindful choice of fresh and quality ingredients such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and natural vinegars that really give a salad from common to gourmet.
This guide will take you through all you want to know about making summer-perfect salads, from the produce of the season to the best dressing tricks.
Understanding the basics
A great salad starts with choosing great ingredients which do not just mean what is in the bowl, but also how each of them interacts with the others. The secret is knowing about seasonality and how textures and tastes interact. It is always good to have in store the basic ingredients like crisp leafy greens (cabbage, lettuce), firm vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots) and soft fruits (peaches, mangoes, watermelon).
Don’t forget olives. Black olives of Hojiblanca variety offer a mild, earthy flavor, while green olives of Manzanilla variety provide a tangy, zesty flavour. Combining these elements creates a symphony of flavors, transforming your salad into a culinary experience. For added texture and natural crunch, add Borges zero pesticide residue almonds.
Choosing the right
olive oils
The oil used in a salad isn’t just about fat content or gloss; it influences the dish with its flavors, texture, and aroma. Today, people are experimenting with vibrant, fusion-style bowls that bring together global flavours. Some popular salads include Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Crispy Rice Salad, Quinoa Avocado Salad, Grape Salad and Lentil Salad with Walnuts and Honey Mustard Dressing. A key ingredient that enhances these salads is Extra Virgin olive oil (EVOO), which brings a captivating flavour & aroma to every bite.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the perfect companion for any salad. It is manufactured through a cold-extraction process, it retains a wealth of antioxidants and natural flavour. With its smooth richness and enticing aroma, Choose one that compliments your ingredients—a mild EVOO enhances delicate greens and fruits, while a bolder EVOO stands up beautifully to quinoa or cheese.
Additionally, extra virgin olive oils with distinct natural profiles – whether smooth, fruity, or full of character – are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to enhance salad flavours without needing additional ingredients.As a brand, we recently introduced two single variety Extra virgin olive oils: Fruity and Character offering a range of choices for all tastes. These are recent additions to its existing Extra virgin olive oil that has been in India since inception.
l Made from Arbequina olives, Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a gentle taste, ideal for summer greens and fruit-topped salads. Its fresh, light flavour suits ingredients such as berries, melon and baby greens and adds a note of subtlety to salads such as strawberry and spinach.
l Produced from Picual olives, Character Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a full-bodied, spicy, and intense taste. It’s perfect for grain or vegetable salads. It can hold up to ingredients such as roasted root vegetables, quinoa, or chickpeas. Use it in a healthy kale salad with roasted vegetables for a filling meal.Exploring natural vinegars
Vinegar is the secret to a great salad—it brings contrast, brightness, and balance, making every bite tangy. But choosing the right one is key. The right vinegar enhances your ingredients. Look for clarity, a well-balanced flavour, and a good ageing process. Steer clear of anything overly sharp or artificial tasting. A well-aged natural vinegar adds depth and a smooth finish, complimenting your salad’s natural flavour rather than overshadowing them. Aside from these, flavourful products such as table olives & vinegars can give plain salads a depth, especially when working with limited ingredients.Creating flavourful dressings
A great dressing ties everything together, enhancing flavor without overpowering them. Extra virgin olive oils and natural vinegars serve as the foundation, but the key lies in balancing them to complement your ingredients—and, most importantly, your taste. The typical approach can be to use more oil than natural vinegar, but the exact ratio is entirely up to you. While many people prefer a sharp flavour, others prefer something more mellow. A fruity or smooth EVOO can add depth with minimal effort, working particularly well with summer salads. Similarly, using natural vinegar with subtle sweetness can change the tone of an otherwise simple salad. Above all, taste as you go—your salad is unique, and your dressing should be too. A quick mix, a small taste, and a slight adjustment are often all it takes to perfect it. The beauty of salads lies in their versatility—experiment with ingredients, play with dressings, and make every bowl your own. So next time you prepare a salad, don’t settle for the ordinary—elevate it with the magic of EVOO and natural vinegar. Healthy eating has never been this delicious.
(The author, Vishal Gupta, is the managing director of Borges India.)
