For the longest time in the culinary milieu, salads have been considered a mere afterthought at the dining table, an underwhelming side dish which is only there to provide some green on the table and certainly not a stand-out dish.
In recent years however, salads have seen a transformation in how they are perceived, prepared and presented. From food bloggers and Instagram influencers who post “one jar” salad recipes to the catering industry which has started taking salads to centre stage, this dish has become a popular and versatile option in the culinary world to redefine what a salad can be.
The Evolution To Modern Salad Platters
We are all familiar with salads as an afterthought or a simple affair – perhaps a mix of greens and a drizzle of dressing, often largely uninspiring and advertised as a low-calorie option for those watching their waistline. However, as global culinary trends continue to evolve, salads have evolved alongside them. More and more, chefs are incorporating exciting and diverse ingredients, playing with bold flavours and textures to create salads that are equal parts delicious as they are visually desirable.
Furthering the appeal of salads as an addition to gourmet or casual dining is how they cater to a multitude of dietary preferences. This is especially true for people who opt to follow a plant-based diet. In light of those who are particularly health-conscious, mindful living has steadily grown people’s appetites for the versatility of salads. Thus, no longer merely a random assortment of chopped raw vegetables, salads can excite the palate with nutritious grains, protein and exotic dressings for a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
Innovating Salads With Angie’s Salad Platters
At Angie’s, we are equally invested in the creation of innovative and exciting salads platters which can be seen as an accompaniment to gourmet dining experiences, casual dinners or even corporate events. Our salad platters are a conscious celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients paired together and arranged in such a way that they please both the eye and the palate.
To learn a little bit more about the kind of salad platters we have on offer, read on to the next section as we explore a few of Angie’s salad specialities.
Aubergine With Tahini Dressing
One of our most standout offerings is our salad platter of Aubergine with tahini dressing. Featuring tender and smoky roasted aubergines with a creamy, orange, yoghurt and tahini dressing, this salad is elevated further with the addition of pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness and a delightful crunch. This dish expertly balances rich umami flavours with bright and citrusy notes, making it a delectable choice for salad lovers.
Mediterranean Couscous
Moving towards the culinary milieu of the Mediterranean, our Mediterranean Couscous platter is a must-try. For this vegetarian dish, which centres on the celebration of fresh and vibrant vegetables, we combine roasted peppers, aubergines, courgettes and onions with couscous and a kick of peppery rocket. By combining the roasted vegetables with the soft, pleasing texture of the couscous, this is a wholesome and hearty platter which promises to transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Broccoli, Fennel & Sun-Blushed Tomatoes
This gluten and dairy free salad platter is a wonderful crowd pleaser for anyone with dietary restrictions and does not compromise on any of the flavour. Our Broccoli, Fennel and Sun Blushed Tomatoes platter forms a base of roasted broccoli and fennel. This is complemented by the deep acidity of sun-blushed tomatoes, sugar snap peas, watercress and flaky almonds. The flaked almonds add an additional source of protein and a satisfying crunch. The result? A platter which is light and fresh while delivering on maximal nutritional value. This platter is a standout choice for health-conscious diners.
Butternut Squash With Hummus
The Butternut Squash with Hummus is a platter from Angie’s that is a vibrant centrepiece for a meal on its own or even as part of a larger spread. This platter combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the silky smoothness of beetroot and onion hummus. The addition of pumpkin seeds adds texture alongside fresh spring onions paired with the sharpness of radishes and watercress.
This unique combination of textures and flavours ensures that each bite remains interesting to the palate. Additionally, this platter is perfect for vegans or individuals following a predominantly plant-based diet with the hummus adding a delicious and nutrient dense option.
Salad Platters As Satisfying Main Courses
In this article, we are exploring all the misconceptions about salads and how they are often wrongfully framed as not being satisfying main courses or relegated to the sidelines of the dining table. Here at Angie’s, our salad platters we are going to prove otherwise by looking at various factors which mitigate these misconceptions.
Firstly, there is the irrefutable fact that salad platters are wonderfully high in nutritional value. A well formulated and balanced salad is a nutritional powerhouse. They have the potential to provide a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates to ensure that you feel full and energised. Our Mediterranean Couscous platter is a fine example of this as it includes couscous – a high mineral and vitamin rich grain combined with nutrient dense roasted vegetables which provides a reliable source of sustained energy.
The second often overlooked aspect of what salads platters have to offer is a complexity of flavour. Salads do not have to be bland, uninspired afterthoughts. If you combine hearty and wholesome ingredients like roasted vegetables and fresh greens with the zesty, citrusy dressings that we use for our platters, you can create layers and layers of taste that would put any rival gourmet dish to shame. A perfect example of this can be found in the Aubergine with Tahini Dressing platter which is a masterclass in the intricate balance of smoky, sweet and fresh flavours.
The third thing which salads are an excellent choice for is textural variety. A well-thought-out salad combines all the most important textural components for a satisfying culinary experience. Angie’s salad platters celebrate textures through using ingredients like crunchy pomegranate seeds, tender and soft vegetables and crispy greens for optimal satisfaction in every bite.
Another aspect of salad making that cannot be underestimated is the use of dressings. While you can create a delicious and memorable salad with only fresh and interesting ingredients, it’s really the dressing that elevates it to a gourmet level. At Angie’s, every salad comes with a house-made dressing that is specifically curated to deliver the optimal fusion of ingredients into a single mouthful.
You may have come across the popular buzzword “umami” which has become a hallmark way to describe the salty/savouriness of a particular dish. Adding this element is a great way to further enhance a salad, by adding ingredients like miso, soy sauce or nutritional yeast, it effectively adds a layer of umami to the dressing which deepens the flavour profile.
An additional flavour element introduced by a good dressing is the balance of savoury and sweet. This careful mediation between sweetness and acidity is vital. For example, tahini-based blends pair perfectly with a zesty vinaigrette to complement and enhance the natural characteristics of these diverse ingredients.
Creating Perfect Salad Platters
Next, let us explore all the elements which Angie’s considers when crafting the perfect salad platter.
Finding, sourcing and selecting the right ingredients is the foundation of any great salad. Angie’s specialises in this by choosing only the highest-quality ingredients for our salad platters which rely on fresh and seasonal products vibrant in flavour and texture.
Presenting a salad platter is vitally important for the visual appeal of the cuisine. By layering the various components to highlight specific colours and textures, like pomegranate seeds or flaked almonds, you can transform the appeal of the dish and add a touch of sophistication.
Due to the incredibly versatile nature of salad platters and how they can be easily assembled, they are very good candidates for differing dietary needs. For example, Angie’s salad platters offer many gluten-free, dairy free and low-carb options which can be customised to fit any dietary restriction.
Another way in which the versatility of salads works for event catering is how easily they can be adapted to different themes and cuisine styles. The inspiration for these salad platters stems from around the world – like our Mediterranean Couscous platter for a Middle Eastern twist or, our Soy and Sesame Soba Noodle salad which celebrates Japanese culture.
Choosing Salad Platters That Transport You Beyond The Bowl
Not only can salad platters be used in casual settings such as picnics or informal dinner parties, but they can also be used for gourmet dining settings and corporate catered events. Offering these diverse salad platters also provides a light and refreshing alternative to heavier, richer dishes which caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Additionally, if you choose to select Angie’s salad platters for your next event, you can take comfort in knowing that in an age where sustainability is at the forefront of concern, salads are a sure-fire way to present a conscious choice to your eco-minded diners. Angie’s achieves this by prioritising locally sourced ingredients and minimising waste as far as possible.
Further, moving towards more plant-based options for your salad platters ensures a far lower environmental impact than regular meat options. By remaining committed to seasonal ingredients where possible, not only is the food fresher and more nutrient dense, but it also supports local farmers and mitigates the environmental cost of importing out-of-season produce. Aside from the plant-based, eco-conscious pros to choosing seasonal produce, by selecting these ingredients you can be sure that the produce is harvested at its peak which will result in better taste and a higher nutritional profile.
Through the efforts of innovating new and interesting salads, Angie’s continuously makes sure to use creative ingredients utilised in inventive ways. For instance, by making use of roasted broccoli stalks and fennel fronds, the entire vegetable is used which further aids in the effort to create an eco-conscious dining experience. Finally, all our catered options are supplied on biodegradable platters so that all you need to do is remove the lid, serve at room temperature and enjoy!
In Conclusion
All-in-all, salads and salad platters can no longer be considered an afterthought. Not only are they an exciting, vibrant and flavourful dish which can be adapted to any occasion, but they can also hold their own on any menu. Salad platters are suitable for all dietary restrictions and preferences as well as offering a nutrient laden and visually enticing appeal to any occasion.
With offerings like the Mediterranean Couscous platter, or the Soy and Sesame Soba Noodle salad, Angie’s salad platters celebrate global cuisine and help bring a once overlooked dish to the centre stage. If you’d like to order one of our delectable salad platters for your next event, you can view our online menu here.
