Crazy Lamb Salad: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Protein

A Brief History of Lamb Salads

Salads involving lamb or mutton can be traced back centuries to origins in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Chopped cooked lamb or goat mixed with veggies and greens were common peasant dishes. Shepherd's salad became iconic Greek fare.

In the 1960s, American cooks began experimenting with more creative lamb salads as the ingredient became more available. Contemporary renditions saw the addition of fruits, nuts, cheese and global flavors. Interest continues today in elevated lamb salads.

The Appeal of Crazy Lamb Salads

While traditional lamb salads are delicious, mixing lamb with unexpected ingredients keeps things interesting. The craze for crazy salad combos over the last decade has resulted in lamb salads with uniquely sweet, spicy, crunchy and savory mix-ins. Home cooks and restaurants alike enjoy putting creative spins on familiar dishes.

Benefits of Lamb in Salads

Adding lamb to salads provides:

Protein

- Lean, nutrient-dense protein keeps you full.

Rich Flavor

- Savory, slightly gamey taste balances greens.

Varied Textures

- Contrast of tender meat and crispy vegetables.

Global Inspiration

- Lamb suits the flavors of many world cuisines.

Tips for the Best Lamb Salad

Follow these tips for flavorful lamb salads every time:

Pick a Flavor Profile

- Greek, Indian, Mediterranean, etc. This guides ingredients.

Use Cooled Lamb

- Warm lamb wilts greens. Chilled lamb gives better texture.

Massage Kale

- Softens the rough texture of raw kale leaves.

Toast Nuts and Seeds

- Enhances their crunch and flavor.

Simple Crazy Lamb Salad Recipe

This recipe combines hearty lamb with bright, fresh flavors:

Salad Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cooked, chilled lamb pieces
• 1⁄4 cup roasted unsalted pistachios
• 1⁄4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 oz crumbled feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
2. Toss lamb and salad ingredients with desired amount of dressing.
3. Top with extra pistachios and feta before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Get creative with how you serve up your crazy lamb salad:

Starter

- Enjoy as a refreshing first course for dinners.

Lunch

- Protein-packed office or work-from-home lunch.

Lettuce Wraps

- For a hand-held meal, spoon salad into lettuce cups.

Storage and Leftovers

For best texture and flavor, enjoy lamb salads shortly after assembling. To store:

• Keep dressing on the side to avoid soggy greens.
• Refrigerate components separately up to 3 days.
• Gently re-toss with dressing when ready to eat again.

Conclusion

Crazy lamb salads are a fresh and fun way to highlight this flavorful meat. Nutty, tangy, crunchy ingredients pair beautifully. Whip up a crazy salad for easy weeknight dinners or impressive starter salads.

FAQs

What cuts of lamb work best for salad?

Tender cuts like loin or leg meat. Cook until just pink, then chill.

Can you use raw lamb in salad?

It's not recommended for food safety reasons. Always fully cook lamb first.

How long does dressed lamb salad keep in the fridge?

Store dressed salad up to 3 days max for best quality. Leftover components keep longer.

What dressing ingredients complement lamb?

Tangy citrus, vibrant herbs, rich olive oil, honey, nuts like pistachios.

Can you leave out the feta cheese if avoiding dairy?

Yes, the salad still has great flavor without cheese. Add roasted chickpeas instead for extra protein.

With endless flavor combinations, lamb salads are a great way to highlight this delicious and nutrient-dense meat. Get creative with your salad fixings!