Whoever said salads had to be bland? It’s not rabbit food. Salads can be delicious; you must know the right things to add. You can put so many unique spices on your salad to take the flavor to another level and make it a meal you enjoy eating. If you have doubts and want to taste for yourself, come to Loukinens’ on 4th in Springfield, IL. We have plenty of spices available and would be glad to make a special salad to your specifications. Let us prove to you how delicious salads can be!
Curry Powder
One interesting spice you can add to your salad to make it more flavorful is curry powder. This ingredient is used in various Indian dishes, though many Americans also love it in their food. This spice blend with a yellow color has a unique taste due to the combination of savory and sweet spices, including turmeric, cumin, clove, and cinnamon. We recommend adding curry powder to a vegetable or a vegan chickpea salad.
Garlic
While raw garlic has a pungent odor and taste, garlic that is simmered or roasted can develop a soft texture and a sweet, buttery flavor, making it perfect to add to a salad to liven it up. Likewise, if your salad has beets, kale, falafel, or meats like chicken or steak, consider adding garlic to your dish to create a more dynamic and exciting flavor experience. Call us at Loukinens’ on 4th at 217.670.1363 to learn about the different dishes we serve with garlic.
Ginger
The flavor of fresh ginger is sweet while slightly peppery and has a spicy aroma. Ginger will mellow with cooking, much like garlic, but it provides a different flavor. When tasting ginger, it will be a warm bite with a touch of sweetness, which would pair well with a kale or quinoa carrot salad. You could also use ginger naturally by shaving fresh ginger root over your salad. To view our extensive menu, visit our website.
Mint
Mint is a distinctly refreshing flavor and can add a burst of refreshing coolness to a nice summer salad. This could be a delightful surprise when added to a bowl of vegetables. Mint has a sweet taste that produces a cool effect on the tongue that lingers even after the meal. Peppermint has a more robust flavor, but either could be used to add some pizzazz to your regular salad. Try it in a cucumber or a sweet salad with fruits and dried berries.
Cumin
Cumin has an earthy and warm taste with a smidge of citrus. It is a rich and hearty spice that some may not think to put in a salad. However, it is a common spice in Mexican and Indian cuisines and will add instant depth to any dish, whether ground or whole. Try it in a kale and onion salad or a sweet and spicy potato salad. For more delectable dishes that tempt the tastebuds, contact Loukinens’ on 4th and let us impress you with our unique flavors!