Many experts in folk remedies and healing practices will list at least five common mistakes in preparing a salad and how to avoid them. These mistakes are the same every year...

1. Un-dried vegetables
   After washing the vegetables, it is crucial to thoroughly dry them. If you prepare the salad with wet vegetables, the dressing will slide off the leaves and collect at the bottom of the bowl, resulting in uneven taste and mushy texture. Water and oil do not mix, so the dressing will not adhere to the leaves. You can use a salad spinner or place the vegetables between two paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
   
   
2. Adding food leftovers
   Adding leftovers from previous meals, such as pasta or older vegetables, can spoil the freshness and taste of the salad. Although reducing food waste is important, it is better to use leftovers in other dishes. The salad should consist of fresh ingredients that complement each other. We recommend a combination of two or three types of fresh vegetables, a source of protein (e.g. hard-boiled egg or cheese), and a simple dressing.
   
   
3. Insufficient seasoning
   Vegetables have their natural taste, but you can enhance it with the right seasonings. A simple dressing made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as rosemary and basil can add depth and freshness to the salad. Herbs are not only tasty but also have numerous healing properties. For example, rosemary aids digestion, while basil has anti-inflammatory effects.
   
   
4. Improper quantity
   The correct ratio of vegetables to dressing is crucial. Too little dressing will result in a dry and tasteless salad, while too much will make it oily and heavy. We recommend adding two tablespoons of dressing to four cups of vegetables. This way, the salad will be perfectly juicy and tasty.
   
   
5. Dressing the salad in advance
   Dress the salad with dressing just before serving. If you dress it too far in advance, the acids and salt from the dressing will start to break down the vegetables, resulting in a soft and mushy texture. If you are preparing the salad for later use, keep the vegetables and dressing separate and combine them just before the meal.

Preparing a perfect salad requires more than just mixing ingredients. By properly drying the vegetables, using fresh ingredients, seasoning appropriately, using the right amount of dressing, and dressing at the right time, you can create a tasty and nutritious dish. A salad prepared with care and love will not only delight your taste buds but also contribute to your health and well-being.