jenniferknapp
Gold Member
- 3,470
What are some possible uses for a Salad Spinner?
- Thread starter chefkeri
- Start date
Click For Summary
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.
GourmetGirl
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pc ri lisa
Gold Member
- 176
R
RachelNguyen
I eat tons of salad and have been using an oxo spinner for years. I like ours MUCH better!
Here's how I wash my lettuce or other veggies:
I fill the clear bowl with cool water and put my lettuce leaves into it. I swish them around a bit, then take the leaves out and put them in the basket. Dump the water, put the basket in the bowl and spin until dry. It gets lettuce and other veggies much cleaner than if you rinse it under running water. Plus it saves water, too, which is better for the environment.
Here's how I wash my lettuce or other veggies:
I fill the clear bowl with cool water and put my lettuce leaves into it. I swish them around a bit, then take the leaves out and put them in the basket. Dump the water, put the basket in the bowl and spin until dry. It gets lettuce and other veggies much cleaner than if you rinse it under running water. Plus it saves water, too, which is better for the environment.
Chef Diane
- 498
Paula R. Lewis
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ivykeep
Gold Member
- 629
quiverfull7 said:
Salt is a diuretic (why drinking salty ocean water if you are stranded will kill you) -- it pulls water out of the cells of plants and animals. I always salt my cucumbers and let them sit for 1/2 hour before making cucumber sandwiches. (They wind up floating in salty water) -- then I rinse them in clear water to remove the salt. The salad spinner would be great for getting them dry to make the sandwiches, so I imagine it would also be great for coleslaw.
ivykeep
Gold Member
- 629
Thought of this one while I was at the Y with baby swim lessons (they have a machine that does this)...
use it to spin out the excess water out of a bathing suit (there is a machine in the locker room that is basically and electric salad spinner to get the extra water out of the swim suit so it's only damp for the ride home).
If you have a pool and you have guests...
use it to spin out the excess water out of a bathing suit (there is a machine in the locker room that is basically and electric salad spinner to get the extra water out of the swim suit so it's only damp for the ride home).
If you have a pool and you have guests...
ivykeep
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- 629
raebates
Staff member
- 18,217
I'm way too lazy to look all the way through all of the posts in this thread to see if this has already been pointed out. So, forgive me if this is a repeat.
If you have lots of tomatoes to seed for a recipe, core them, cut them into pieces, and spin them in the Salad Spinner. Voila! Pounds of seeded tomatoes.
If you have lots of tomatoes to seed for a recipe, core them, cut them into pieces, and spin them in the Salad Spinner. Voila! Pounds of seeded tomatoes.
adventurechef
- 172
baychef
Silver Member
- 2,833
Uses I have used at my parties:
(All of the obvious and sensible ones listed here...even learned a few more tips.) But to get them laughing....
It can be used as a Carnival ride for your gerbal (can't spell it). And if the little duffer gets sick...(I put on the brake) you can stop the ride and get him off of it before he gets sick to his stomach.
If you have a hampster and give him a bath, you can spin him dry
Men...you can wash your socks and undies in our Quick Stir pitcher, the spin em' dry in our Salad Spinner.
One of the men at my party suggested that it would be good for mixing paint!
I was glad to see someone put the door prize slip drawing in here as a suggestion...I was just thinking about that the other day (everyone is saying...yeah, sure, Ann....copy cat!!)
(All of the obvious and sensible ones listed here...even learned a few more tips.) But to get them laughing....
It can be used as a Carnival ride for your gerbal (can't spell it). And if the little duffer gets sick...(I put on the brake) you can stop the ride and get him off of it before he gets sick to his stomach.
If you have a hampster and give him a bath, you can spin him dry
Men...you can wash your socks and undies in our Quick Stir pitcher, the spin em' dry in our Salad Spinner.
One of the men at my party suggested that it would be good for mixing paint!
I was glad to see someone put the door prize slip drawing in here as a suggestion...I was just thinking about that the other day (everyone is saying...yeah, sure, Ann....copy cat!!)
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
- 20,320
Grandma Dee looked at us kind of funny for that one.
baychef
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- 2,833
Cassie1037
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- 380
Cindy_PC
- 10
burtonfour
Gold Member
- 10
LeslieSGI
Gold Member
- 443
LoriLions
- 44
A few more uses for the salad spinner:
- I take canned beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.), rinse with water, then spin before I add to any recipe. It reduces the sodium content.
- I take my cooked vegetables and gently spin before using them in my salad recipe or if you are making mock mashed potatoes (using cauliflower) I spin the cooked cauliflower before making the mocked mashed potatoes. I of course reserve the juices for my next soup recipe.
- After cooking (or crockpotting) spaghetti squash, I spin the squash and of course reserve the juices for my next soup recipe.
- Rinse salted raw potatoes. My Mom always insisted that the best homemade french fries were clean, sliced and salted. Supposedly the salt drew out the starch and after the fries sat for a while, you should rinse and dry. The salad spinner works well for rinsing and dries better than paper towels.
I hope this helps. Although this product has been around for years, it always helps when we all get together and recommend new recipes and ideas.
- I take canned beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.), rinse with water, then spin before I add to any recipe. It reduces the sodium content.
- I take my cooked vegetables and gently spin before using them in my salad recipe or if you are making mock mashed potatoes (using cauliflower) I spin the cooked cauliflower before making the mocked mashed potatoes. I of course reserve the juices for my next soup recipe.
- After cooking (or crockpotting) spaghetti squash, I spin the squash and of course reserve the juices for my next soup recipe.
- Rinse salted raw potatoes. My Mom always insisted that the best homemade french fries were clean, sliced and salted. Supposedly the salt drew out the starch and after the fries sat for a while, you should rinse and dry. The salad spinner works well for rinsing and dries better than paper towels.
I hope this helps. Although this product has been around for years, it always helps when we all get together and recommend new recipes and ideas.
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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