Ideas for better bowls

Guides & Techniques

Practical knowledge for cooking by instinct, using what you have and understanding why great salads work.

How to Build a Better Salad

A five-part framework for balancing flavor, texture, temperature and appetite in every bowl.

The small decisions that make every bite sing.

Learn the ratio, then trust your palate.

Keep greens crisp and ready for their best bowl.

Build contrast, proportion and momentum into every forkful.

Build browned edges, distinct textures and a deliberate warm or cool finish.

Choose the grain, cook to texture and cool it safely without clumping.

Keep fruit structured, control its juice and balance sweetness with savory contrast.

Protect texture, prevent leaks and keep a perishable lunch properly cold.

Soften vegetables without surrendering color, texture or control of the dressing.

Build aroma and crunch without scorching delicate nuts or softening them in the bowl.