5 Genius Hacks to Take Your Salad From Blah to Delightful

Didn’t think you could improve upon your salad game? When it comes to fussing with dressing or safely packing leafy greens for lunch, there’s always a better (and more fun) way to do things. Here are 5 surprising tips that might change your life from our newest book, Kitchen Hacks: How Clever Cooks Get Things Done. Our favorite hacks are quick tips that provide fun new approaches to old tasks, unexpected ways to tackle tough projects, or ingenious uses for everyday tools.

1. Quick-Measure Salad Dressing: Rather than dirty your measuring cups, spoons, and whisk every time you want to make your favorite vinaigrette, try this practical solution. Separately measure out the oil and vinegar (we like a 3:1 ratio) and then pour them into a clear plastic bottle, using a permanent-ink pen to mark the level of the mixture after you’ve added each ingredient. As long as you keep the bottle, you’ll never again have to dirty a measuring cup or spoon for these components. Add any solid ingredients (such as garlic, herbs, or mustard), close the bottle, and shake it until the dressing is thoroughly mixed. The bottle can be washed and reused for easier mixing next time.

2. No-Waste Dressing: You can prepare vinaigrettes in a child’s “sippy” cup and use the cup as a tool for dressing salads as well. The dressing is released slowly from the small spout, making it nearly impossible to waste vinaigrette or overdress a salad. First, add all the dressing ingredients to the cup and secure the lid. While holding one finger securely over the spout, shake the cup vigorously to incorporate. Remove your finger from the spout and sprinkle the dressing over the salad.

3. Don’t Settle for a Soggy Salad: Salads present a problem when prepared early and eaten later in the day. Dressing causes the greens to turn limp and it’s a leak risk, so what’s a lunch-packer to do? To transport a small amount of dressing, use one of the jars in which dry spices are packed. Their small size and tight seal are perfect for the job.

4. Keep It Together in Tiers. To completely avoid the need to bring a separate container of dressing, try a multilayered approach to fitting everything in one container: Add the dressing to the bottom of the container; cover it with chopped vegetables, fruit, beans, and cheese; and place the greens on top. To dress the salad, simply shake the container.

5. Safely Pack a Prep Knife. If the salad is to include juicy items, such as tomatoes, or items that might dry out if pre-cut, such as cheese, bring them intact and pack a paring knife, nestled safely inside of a plastic travel toothbrush holder.

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