One of the ongoing menu trends in entrée salads is the use of a mixed variety of greens. Another trend in flavor and texture components is the increased use of “crisp” ingredients such as noodles, fried tortilla strips, wontons and nuts. Nuts often are further prepared including being candied, seasoned or caramelized.
In studying menus from the top 200 chains, “bold” sums up the flavor story. Today's operators are working to offer consumers a wide variety of flavor profiles. In doing so, they reap the rewards of a more satisfied patron.