Salads are your go-to detox fixes, a penance/payback as some would see it, for all the indulgence at the start of the year. A green leaf that some shudder to turn over but need to, less they fall prey to the consequences of an overindulgent lifestyle. And while there are people who would cringe at the idea of eating a salad, there are some salad bowls that could change that.
Mixed Salad with Lotus Root
Its USP is: It’s healthy.
Chef Charles Chee Ken, consultant head chef, Yauatcha, says, “The lime skin, Japanese vinegar and lemon sauce add a fresh citrus flavour and aroma to the salad. The iceberg lettuce, the mint leaves balance each other while the fried garlic and Pomelo add a contrasting taste. It’s also extremely healthy.”
COST: Rs 450, plus taxes
AT: Yauatcha, BKC
Tomato & Zucchini salad
Its USP is: It’s rich in vitamin A and C and has high dietary fibre content.
Chef Paul Kinny, director culinary, Bellona Hospitality, adds, “Throwing in a bit of a ‘did you know’ here — like tomatoes, zucchini is also a fruit. It wouldn’t be wrong to call this a fruit salad. While antioxidants-rich tomatoes are usually known as the summer super-food, zucchini is famous for its versatility and ability to absorb flavours really well.” Chef Paul also recommends this as a great option for vegans. He says, “The dairy-free almond feta cheese adds a creamy texture to the salad while the pistachios accompany the zucchini in providing a crunch. Not only is this salad a perfect fit for summer but is also good for your gut.”
COST: Rs 395, plus taxes
AT: 212 All Good, Lower Parel
Melon salad
Its USP is: It’s light and refreshing
Chef Prashanth, executive chef at The Fatty Bao says, “Melons are the quintessential fruit of summer. This salad is fresh, light and crunchy, which makes it ideal for summer.”
COST: Rs 245
AT: The Fatty Bao, Lower Parel
Watermelon, Feta & Mint salad
Its USP is: It brings together the goodness of savoury and refreshing at the same time.
Mariketty Grana, owner and head chef at Thalassa, Mumbai and Goa, says, “As improbable as it might sound, the combination of watermelon and feta cheese is utterly fantastic as it brings together to contrasting flavours. Watermelon is one of the best cooling ingredients in the summers while the feta adds to the natural saltiness and is also a great supply of protein and energy on a hot summer day. For some more flavour and texture, I add freshly chopped mint leaves, dress it with some light Kalamata olive oil and serve it chilled.”
COST: Rs 380, plus taxes
AT: Thalassa, 21st Street, off Carter Road, Khar (W)
Orange Chicken Salad
Its USP is: A fresh summer salad, rich in Vitamin C and folic acid.
Chef Sahil Narvekar, Aka Bistro, says, “It’s ideal for summer as it’s rich in vitamin C, which helps fight dehydration and supplements the body with necessary fluids.”
COST: Rs 300
At: Aka Bistro, Kalaghoda
Thai Crunch salad
Its USP is: Low in calories yet keeps you satiated.
Chef Akanksha Saigal, says, “The Thai Crunch salad is the perfect summer salad for all those looking to stay satiated without piling on the calories Fresh ingredients like raw papaya, cucumber, Broccoli, kale, beans and tomatoes are teamed with light glass noodles and tossed in a sweet chili lemon dressing. A big bowl of goodness just at 179 calories per portion!”
Cost: Rs 360, plus taxes
At: Ministry of Salads, shop no 4, opposite Tata Garden, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Laphet Thoke (a Burmese green tea salad)
Its USP is: Its uniqueness
Chef Siddharth Kalyanaraman, says, “Laphet Thoke is a Burmese green tea salad that is originally made with fermented tea leaves. We have pickled the tea leaves and added the leaves and the pickling liquid with some fresh spinach and beans sprouts. We serve some fried garlic, fried cashews, some fresh onions, fresh tomatoes as accompaniments to the salad. It is light and refreshing, the ingredients are fresh and it is served chilled making it an ideal salad to have in the summers.”
COST: Rs 300, plus taxes
AT: NRI, BKC
Raw papaya salad
Its USP is: It’s completely raw and does not require any cooking
Chef Rahul Hajarnavis, culinary director at Shiro, says, “Since this salad doesn’t require any cooking, all the nutrients are packed in. It helps to keep the body temperature in control and has a burst of power-packed flavours perfect for summer. The raw papaya is nice and crunchy, fresh, along with some carrots, cherry tomatoes, and lots of crushed peanuts. We use a tamarind based dressing for this salad which is very different from the regular lime and palm sugar one.”
COST: Rs 375 for veg and Rs 395 for non-veg
AT: Shiro, Worli
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