January Cooking Challenge: 10 Tips for Better Salads

January 2025 is your month to face new cooking challenges, master novel skills and have fun. First up were vegetables. Then, ferments. Next, conquering sourdough. Finally—and crucially!—superior salads.

Is there any food more often relegated to "sad" status than salad? 

We get it, but it doesn't have to be that way: "Salad" can be so much more than a limp bowl of lettuce. It could refer to anything from a simple side of leafy greens to a hearty mix of roasted vegetables, leftover chicken, grains or bowl of creamy potato salad. To help elevate your salad game, we checked in with HexClad Food Director Laura Rege for her top tips for better salads in 2025.

1. Stay Sharp

A sharp knife and solid chopping skills can make a world of difference when chopping veggies, lettuce and other salad ingredients. No one wants a bruised tomato hanging out in the mix! Choose a mixing bowl that fits your portion size, and don’t skimp on the cutting board, either: Be sure it has enough room for all your ingredients to spread out. Pro Tip: When in doubt, go for a bigger bowl or board than you think you need. It’ll give you more room to work and keep things tidy!

2. Ace Base

A great salad begins with the right base, according to Rege. You could choose something fresh and crunchy like hearts of romaine, or opt for the convenience of pre-washed bagged greens. For a hint of bitterness, endive or radicchio are excellent choices, while hearty options like kale—whether Tuscan or curly—offer sturdiness. If you’re after a peppery kick, arugula is always a great idea. Tip: Mix different greens for added texture!

3. Dress for Success

Dressing is crucial to a salad, as it influences every bite, so it’s important to think about it early in the process, said Rege. While classics like Caesar or Dijon vinaigrette are always a safe bet, feel free to get creative with flavors and textures. The dressing is your opportunity to introduce depth and complexity. For instance, in our Tomato, Peach and Burrata Salad, a chili-lime vinaigrette delivers a bold, zesty contrast that enhances the entire dish.

4. Cooked Corner

Here’s a hint: Not all salad ingredients have to be raw. "If I have extra roasted veggies from the night before, I love to add them cold to a salad," says Rege. Cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots or Brussels sprouts add richness that balances out the freshness of the greens.

5. Raw Nerve

While cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber and grated carrots are classic salad ingredients, don’t be afraid to mix it up with some unexpected raw veggies, too. Try cutting fresh corn kernels right off the cob, or adding thin slivers of shaved zucchini for a fresh twist. Even raw green beans can shine in a salad, as in our Crunchy Green Bean Salad, where they lend a delightful crunch.

6. The Grain Train

If you want to turn your salad into a full meal, adding cooked grains can be a game-changer. Quinoa, farro, brown rice and barley are great options that add texture and heartiness, transforming your salad into a satisfying meal.

7. Sweet Treat

Balance is key! Rege believes that adding a little sweetness can really elevate your salad. Fresh or dried fruit, candied nuts, or even something as subtle as sesame sticks can give your salad that sweet-savory contrast. Tip: A handful of pomegranate seeds or apple slices can work wonders with leafy greens.

8. Breadhead

No more boring store-bought croutons! Get creative—use focaccia, sourdough, or even leftover bread to make your own crispy croutons. Or try something different like savory granola, Parmesan crisps pita or tortilla chips. Need a sweet crunch? Candied nuts are a fun twist. For a quick DIY, Rege likes to make her own candied almonds by caramelizing them with a bit of sugar and tossing with sesame seeds.

9. Umami Salami

To give your salad even more oomph, add some super-savory ingredients. Think: bacon, cornichons, capers, marinated artichokes, cheese, salami or olives. They’ll lend a salty element to the dish that makes each bite pop. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese can really tie everything together.

10. 'Tis the Seasoning

Last, but definitely not least—season, season, season! Even with all those amazing ingredients, salt and pepper are essential, Rege reminded us. They’ll bring out the best in your veggies and tie everything together. It’s a simple step, but it makes all the difference!

With these tips in your back (apron) pocket, your salads are going to seriously level up this year.