Step 3 – That gourmet magic

This is where you make a little gourmet magic of your own!

Think of something that will zing up your salad and make it distinct.

Photograph: Sanat Tanna; Courtesy: Cafe Basillico

It could be really anything. Cooked sweet corn, that adds a wonderful burst of sweetness when sliced off the cob and sprinkled into a salad - yummy!

Plump berries burst between the teeth and add a touch of tart sweetness in an otherwise savory salad.

Toasted seeds and nuts add a nutty crunch to any salad. Keep toasted walnuts, almonds or peanuts at hand. Storage tip: dry fry over medium heat until the nuts turn a shade darker and give off an enticing aroma, store in an airtight box.

Use when required crushed, cut or added whole to salads.

Make a meal of it !

Now you can further build your salad into a whole meal by adding carbohydrates in the form of pasta, cooked potatoes, rice, corn croutons. Also add protein in the form of beans, paneer, meats like bacon, chicken or cold cuts, seafood and cheese. There, you have a fresh, healthy and crunchy meal!

Rushina would love to hear from you, dear readers. What you would like her to write on, what you would not like her to write on. Let's get a conversation going! We'd love to hear from you!

Also by Rushina: The best laid food plans! l How you can make Friday dinners special l My Valentine baby!