Salad fixin's

Everyone I know of has different ideas on what should go on salads. From bell peppers to onions to jalapenos, there are many different variations out there. I prefer to have a salad with my dinner every night, thanks to my father for instilling that one in me. But seriously, salads are good, full of vitamins and nutrients that you need, and the more colorful you get, the more healthy it is for you.

When it comes to topping my salad I am game for pretty much anything, but it has to be crunchy in texture. I guess you could say I'm one of those people who have trouble with food texture (or in simpler terms, I'm just picky). When it comes to veggies, the more crunch, the better it is to me. I can't stand soggy and most steamed vegetables. As a child, I fought my parents tooth and nail on eating vegetables, and I guess it's a little bit of payback that my daughter does the same (my father laughs at that one).

My Grandma's salad is always full of bell peppers, cucumbers and not so heavy on the lettuce (romaine) side. I love her salad, because it's always so fresh and tasty, and complimented well with Italian or French dressing. The salads I buy (yeah yeah...I buy the bagged salad normally) are the Spring Mix, and sometimes I'll throw extra carrots and cucumbers on for crunch if I have them. We only have one type of dressing in this house, and that is Hidden Valley Ranch. Of course, I guess I should get another because lately I have been jonesin' for some Italian dressing.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I want to find the Olive Garden's balsamic vinegar recipe, because that has to be my favorite salad dressing, hands down.

What do you like on your salads?