Hey There! I’m Emily Carter
Chef | Recipe Creator | Salad Enthusiast | Age 37
Portland-based kitchen storyteller who believes every salad can be a celebration.
My Story
I grew up in a family where the kitchen was the heart of the home. My grandmother had a way of turning even the simplest garden greens into something extraordinary, and I quickly realized food could be more than just fuel it could be joy, creativity, and connection.
In my early twenties, I trained in traditional French cuisine, working long hours in restaurant kitchens. But what surprised me most was how often I found myself returning to something simple: the salads. Crisp vegetables, bold dressings, unexpected toppings those became the dishes people remembered. I started experimenting at home, using Portland’s incredible farmers’ markets as my playground, and soon realized that salads were my true culinary language.
The Turning Point
The big shift happened one summer when I was asked to prepare a “main course salad” for a friend’s wedding. At first, I laughed who wants salad at the center of a wedding menu? But I poured my creativity into that dish: grilled peaches, arugula, candied pecans, and a champagne vinaigrette. To my surprise, people were lining up for seconds, asking for the recipe, telling me it was the best thing they ate all night.
That single experience made me see salads differently. They weren’t side dishes anymore. They could be colorful, nourishing, and exciting enough to stand on their own. That wedding changed the course of my career and inspired me to build a space dedicated to celebrating salads.
What I Learned the Hard Way
In the beginning, I tried to overcomplicate everything thinking I needed rare ingredients or elaborate presentations. But instead of inspiring people, I left them overwhelmed. I realized that what people truly wanted was freshness, flavor, and a recipe they could actually recreate at home.
I also burned myself out chasing perfection, working late into the night, and saying yes to every project. I had to learn the hard way that food should bring joy, not exhaustion.
My Approach Now
These days, my philosophy is rooted in simplicity and abundance. I focus on fresh, local ingredients, vibrant combinations, and recipes that anyone no matter their kitchen skills can feel proud of.
I love showing people that salads can be hearty enough for dinner, playful enough for a party, and elegant enough for a celebration. Whether it’s through creative dressings, unexpected toppings, or seasonal twists, I help people fall back in love with their vegetables.
What I Believe
A salad should never feel like punishment it should feel like pleasure.
Local, seasonal produce makes every recipe shine brighter.
Food should be approachable, joyful, and sustainable.
Every plate has the power to spark conversation and connection.
How I Can Help You
I create recipes, resources, and inspiration for anyone who wants to bring more color, flavor, and creativity to their table. On www.green-salad.net, you’ll find everything from quick weekday bowls to elegant salad platters designed for gatherings.
I also share tips for building balanced, satisfying salads whether you’re looking for more plant-based options, simple dressings, or new flavor combinations. My goal is to make salads something you crave, not just something you “should” eat.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not in the kitchen, you can usually find me wandering through Portland’s Saturday Market, hiking one of Oregon’s forest trails, or tending to my small herb garden. I’m also a big fan of pottery I love serving salads in handmade bowls that carry their own story.
Let’s Connect
If you love fresh, creative, and seasonal food, I’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re here for inspiration, collaboration, or just to talk all things greens, I’m only a message away.
Get In Touch
Find recipes and resources at www.green-salad.net
Email: [email protected]