From marshmallows to meatballs, beef jerky, and hotdogs — a study has discovered how Americans are expressing their creative taste buds when it comes to their salads, along with what the “perfect” salad looks like.
A poll of 2,000 adults across the United States revealed the strangest salad toppings they have used or have seen before. Answers included oddities like bananas, peanut butter, peppermint, and popcorn.
But luckily, aside from the occasional topping oddity, most people gravitate towards the classics for their salads. In fact, the best toppings were found to be cheese, tomatoes, bacon, croutons, and cucumbers. Plus, most people came to agree the three best salad dressings are ranch, Italian, and Caesar.
However, for 61%, the real “main character” of salads is the greens involved. The best of which were romaine, iceberg, spinach, spring mix, and crunchy green lettuce.
It’s in the Greens
Commissioned by BrightFarms and conducted by OnePoll, the study found salads are most enticing depending on their dressing, quality of lettuce, toppings, and the harmony of different flavors.
Over half said the level of freshness was the biggest factor in how appetizing a salad is. In fact, 78% said they’d refuse to eat a salad when the vegetables have turned soggy. Over half admitted having lettuce turn unexpectedly soggy has caused them to eat something less healthy instead.
Four in five said they’ve had lettuce in their refrigerator go bad faster than they expected it to, and 61% of them have had to make an extra trip to the store as a result. Sixty percent said they even forget they have lettuce in the fridge on occasion and take up to three days on average before they remember it’s still there.
The average person has to toss out lettuce they were planning to use for a meal because it went bad at least twice per month.
“If it’s done correctly, a salad can be a perfect meal that combines satisfying flavors, textures, and beautiful colors,” shares Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing at BrightFarms. “We can see here that people have an appreciation for the leafy greens. It’s important to have a strong base for your salad, allowing all the other pieces to come together in a harmonious and flavorful way. Otherwise, you’re left with something that just doesn’t feel right.”
Results also found the popularity of salad as a weekly meal option and the habits Americans have developed when eating it. Seventy-eight percent of respondents eat at least two salads per week, and the average person will eat salad leftovers for up to two days after being made.
What Makes a Salad
All salads aren’t created equally, but what actually constitutes a salad? Over half of respondents said they would also consider pasta salad as a type of salad, though many did not agree with other similar common food arguments. For instance, 55% do not consider hotdogs to be sandwiches, and a mere 4% prefer their pizza to be cold.
Over a quarter (26%) also believe they could turn any type of sandwich into a salad.
Respondents were roughly even divided on where they preferred to eat salads. Forty-six percent said they’re more likely to eat salads while dining out, citing restaurants are more creative than what they make at home, it tastes better when someone else prepares it, and it takes too much time to prepare salads at home.
Meanwhile, 48% said they prefer to make their salads at home. Salad-makers said when purchasing lettuce, they prioritize freshness, taste, and crunch factor in what they buy. Plus, 73% believe lettuce grown and packaged closer to where it’s sold is fresher than lettuce grown and packaged further away.
“Everyone deserves a fresh salad that makes them feel satisfied about their choices,” said Soare. “One that retains crispness, freshness, and delicious flavor. After all, anything can be a salad if you want it to be!”
While restaurants often have fun, creative salad options, many of these recipes can recreated at home. Next time you’re at a restaurant and find a salad you’re intrigued with, write down the ingredients and try to replicate it in your own kitchen. Most salads are fairly simple to make, and once all the ingredients are prepped, they don’t take too long to throw together.