What are some possible uses for a Salad Spinner?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various creative and practical uses for a salad spinner, with participants sharing personal experiences and ideas. The conversation includes both culinary applications and playful suggestions for entertainment.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using the salad spinner for washing salad, fruit, potatoes, herbs, and vegetables.
  • Another participant shares a humorous idea of using the spinner for washing delicates, likening it to a "spin cycle."
  • Several users mention using the spinner for spin art, although there are concerns about potential staining.
  • One participant notes the spinner's versatility as a colander and serving bowl, expressing uncertainty about how often they will use it.
  • Another participant recounts a surprising experience of how much dirt was removed from pre-washed lettuce using the spinner.
  • One participant shares their method of storing cut lettuce in the spinner, highlighting its freshness over time.
  • Another participant mentions using the spinner to drain liquid from frozen chopped spinach, suggesting it as a useful tool for recipes.
  • One participant humorously states that the spinner can entertain a child during meal preparation.
  • Several participants discuss the potential for the spinner to be a great gift for gardeners.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how the spinner works and its cleaning capabilities.
  • Another participant suggests using the spinner for draining salted shredded cabbage for coleslaw.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and versatility of the salad spinner, with no clear consensus on its uses beyond food preparation.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a mix of culinary tips and light-hearted suggestions, reflecting a community engaged in both practical cooking discussions and playful interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members interested in creative uses for kitchen tools may find the shared experiences and ideas beneficial.

chefkeri
Messages
268
Anyone come up w/ a 101 +/- ways??? ~ yet???
I have a few from my cluster, but I am SURE there are more things for this GREAT item. Bulky.... but great.

salad
fruit
washed potatoes
herbs
veggies
:D
 
It's the spin cycle for washing your delicates. Use the quick stir pitcher to wash your danties as Tom Marston would say, then throw them into the salad spinner for the spin cycle. LOL
 
Spin art - put paper along the outside, paint in the middle and spin away...
 
janetupnorth said:
Spin art - put paper along the outside, paint in the middle and spin away...
Wouldn't that stain the bowl and baskets?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
probably not...
BethCooks4U said:
Wouldn't that stain the bowl and baskets?
Use Crayola (mostly water & very washable) :D

MORE MORE MORE! love these ideas!
 
The one thing I like is the ability to use them as Colanders and as a Serving Bowl as well as a Salad Spinner. We'll just see how often I actually use mine though. :p
 
BethCooks4U said:
Wouldn't that stain the bowl and baskets?

Yes, it was more a joke than anything...I would never do it then eat from it...:D
 
but you can tell customers they can use their old ones as a new toy for their kids, then they have a reason to get ours! :)
 
I made a salad yesterday with packaged pre-washed lettuce. I used the spinner and could not believe how BROWN the water was! I did it 4 times before the water was clear.:eek:

I will never make a salad again without spinning it!! I am sold!:cool:
 
I used mine to sit on the floor and entertain a 1 yr old....or was it entertaining me?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Funny!
janetupnorth said:
I used mine to sit on the floor and entertain a 1 yr old....or was it entertaining me?
Thanks for the LOL's Janet. :)
 
BethCooks4U said:
Wouldn't that stain the bowl and baskets?

How about using berry juice. Colorful and non-toxic :D
 
I took a whole head lettuce, cut it up into large pieces with salad chopper and then rinsed and spun it in spinner. It is stored in the colander inside the spinner bowl with lid on it. It has been almost a week and the lettuce is like brand new yet. My hubby and kids will go in and grab the spinner and make a quick salad knowing it is right there handy...actually, I think they like to get it out and give it a spin or two even if it doesn't need it!!!
Keeps it very fresh since the lettuce isn't sitting right on the bottom of the bowl.
PS I think I'd leave the cheapy little salad spinners from the outet stores for the spin art with paint!!!! I love doing that with the kids, but wouldn't use our good one!!!!
 
Here's one I got from another director - you know how for some recipes you need to drain the liquid out of frozen chopped spinach? Well now you can do that in the beryy basket of the spinner!
 
dannyzmom said:
Here's one I got from another director - you know how for some recipes you need to drain the liquid out of frozen chopped spinach? Well now you can do that in the beryy basket of the spinner!
Oh my gosh--I think I am going to like it once I get it!!!! I have to go to my parents where my stuff gets delivered. They are in AZ visiting my aunt and uncle till the 30th. I will have to go over just for that!!!!
 
dannyzmom said:
Here's one I got from another director - you know how for some recipes you need to drain the liquid out of frozen chopped spinach? Well now you can do that in the beryy basket of the spinner!
AWESOME IDEA!!!!!!
I wish I had earned this :(
I want one so bad!!!!
 
Oh, and I don't have a product tip.
I only got to see one for a split second.
I couldn't hold it too long, it made me sad.
 
dannyzmom said:
Here's one I got from another director - you know how for some recipes you need to drain the liquid out of frozen chopped spinach? Well now you can do that in the beryy basket of the spinner!

It has been sooooo long since I have made Zucchini bread with shredded zucchini, but if it is frozen, doesn't it have to be drained too. The salad spinner would do a great job with it also.
 
Not a real use, but it can entertain a 5 yo for the entire meal prepare period. My salads have never been so clean!
 
I don't have any more tips -- sorry. BUT -- I have a feeling this is going to be a GREAT seller for us and July is going to be KICKIN'. I took this to a vendor fair today and EVERYONE that came by my booth -- there was about 400 people in attendance -- HAD to take a look at it and when they found out it was a July special they were VERY excited about it.
 
I think it's a great gift for any gardner on your gift lists. :)
You can use it for any veggies that you want to clean and dry really!! I don't have mine yet but I can't wait. It's scary how dirty your lettuce and other veggies really are when you bring them home from the store.(I'm not lucky enough for a big garden)
 
Warning - stupid question:
I haven't seen this yet - curious how it works - I've never used one EVER. do you add water to it or something? My FIL gardens and I know they make fresh salsa that they sell at a stand or something out in the sticks, lol. Wondering what verbage to use to make it something he feels he can't live without, kwim? Thanks!
 
4kids4me said:
Warning - stupid question:
I haven't seen this yet - curious how it works - I've never used one EVER. do you add water to it or something? My FIL gardens and I know they make fresh salsa that they sell at a stand or something out in the sticks, lol. Wondering what verbage to use to make it something he feels he can't live without, kwim? Thanks!

No, you just put veggies in and it will "spin" the water off. HTH
 
Ok I"m confused then because I've heard that people are spinning their bagged salad and the "water" is coming out brown. Where is this water coming from? TIA ANd if it's just spinining water off stuff, how is that cleaning it? I'm so confused. Why is it necessary, I guess is my question.
 
Ok..........wash your greens in a colander then put them into the spinner to dry them. Even greens purchased in the bag should be rinsed before you use them. Rinse then dry:D
 
OK --- for cheap entertainment value...

Put your cluster drawing slips/tickets in and spin for the winner :eek: -- it got a few laughs...

OR - how about bingo balls :D

Just a thought.... sounds kinda like TKG ?
 
PCGINA said:
OK --- for cheap entertainment value...

Put your cluster drawing slips/tickets in and spin for the winner :eek: -- it got a few laughs...

OR - how about bingo balls :D

Just a thought.... sounds kinda like TKG ?


Good ideas, I like it sounds good to me.
 
I was thinking.. but haven't tried it yet, they say to lightly salt shredded cabbage and lt it sit a bit before you make coleslaw or other things... like I would do it for egg rolls, and you have to drain it. I bet the spinner would be great for that too. Doing this salting (I'm sure there is a technical term) is supposed to keep it from getting all "wet" once you mix it with the sauce or other ingredients.
 
PCGINA said:
OK --- for cheap entertainment value...

Put your cluster drawing slips/tickets in and spin for the winner :eek: -- it got a few laughs...

OR - how about bingo balls :D

Just a thought.... sounds kinda like TKG ?


Okay, flash of inspiration: This is how I'll do my DPDS during May and July! (May do it other months, too, but definitely for the "new" month and the "host special" month.
 
quiverfull7 said:
I was thinking.. but haven't tried it yet, they say to lightly salt shredded cabbage and lt it sit a bit before you make coleslaw or other things... like I would do it for egg rolls, and you have to drain it. I bet the spinner would be great for that too. Doing this salting (I'm sure there is a technical term) is supposed to keep it from getting all "wet" once you mix it with the sauce or other ingredients.


Whenever you are using a vegetable for a recipe, and you want that vegetable to stay dry in the recipe - you should salt it, and then let it sit for 15-30 minutes. The salt will draw out excess liquid, and keep the veggies dry. This will work also for zucchini and yellow squash that you want to bread and pan fry or bake....for Eggplant (for fried eggplant or Parmigiana). It is also the way to get crispy baked potato fries. Cut the potatoes and soak them in salted water for 30 minutes, then dry them (in the Salad Spinner!), toss them w/ oil and seasonings and bake!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a salad spinner used for?

A salad spinner is primarily used to wash and dry leafy greens and other vegetables. It helps remove excess water after rinsing, ensuring that salads are crisp and not soggy.

Can a salad spinner be used for fruits?

Yes, a salad spinner can be used to wash and dry fruits, especially berries and grapes. It effectively removes dirt and moisture, making fruits ready for snacking or adding to salads.

How can I use a salad spinner for herbs?

A salad spinner is great for washing and drying fresh herbs. After rinsing them under water, place the herbs in the spinner to remove excess moisture, which helps preserve their flavor and texture.

Is a salad spinner useful for rinsing grains or pasta?

While not its primary purpose, a salad spinner can be used to rinse grains like quinoa or to cool down cooked pasta. Just be cautious with the spinner's capacity and ensure the grains or pasta are securely contained.

Can I use a salad spinner for other kitchen tasks?

Absolutely! A salad spinner can also be used to dry other items like freshly washed mushrooms or to remove excess moisture from shredded vegetables, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

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