5 Salad Mistakes Everyone Makes
Chef Cesar Zapata of The Federal Miami explains what we're doing wrong—even with the dressing!—and how to fix it.
By Lynn Andriani
Mistake #4: Using Tongs
The quickest way to undo everything Zapata has taught us so far: simply pour the vinaigrette on top (you'll wind up drenching some leaves and leaving others naked) and toss everything together with metal or plastic tongs (you'll crush the leaves). Zapata's method is untraditional, but he swears it's the best way to evenly distribute the liquid and avoid damaging the greens. He tilts the bowl holding the greens so it's at an angle, and uses his other hand to pour the dressing onto the inside edge of the bowl, turning as he goes. Then, he uses clean hands to gently mix the dressing into the greens, and uses wooden utensils for serving.
Published 07/28/2015