Building Better Salads: Harvest Salads

Ready to learn how to build better salads? Join us at East Lions Community Centre for a fun, hands-on cooking experience where we'll create colourful, flavour-packed harvest salads that are anything but ordinary. We will learn how to combine ingredients like roasted vegetables, grains, greens, crunchy toppings, and delicious homemade dressing to build satisfying meals that taste amazing. Along the way, we'll discover the secrets behind great flavour combinations, explore how different ingredients work together to create balanced meals, and practice essential kitchen skills such as knife safety, food preparation, and mixing homemade dressings. Whether you're already a salad lover or a skeptic, you'll leave with new cooking skills, fresh recipe ideas, and a delicious creation to enjoy!

Date: August 19, 2026

Time: Kitchen doors open at 6:15 PM, workshop begins at 6:30 PM

Location: East Lions Community Centre, 1731 Churchill Ave, London, ON N5W 5P4

What You’ll Experience:

• Introductions & Social: We’ll start with a quick icebreaker so you can meet the people at your station and get settled in.
• Safety Essentials: Practicing essential kitchen safety skills, including proper knife handling and the “claw grip” technique.
• Leafy Greens Science: Discover the science behind massaging kale and how this simple technique improves its texture, flavour, and overall enjoyment.
• Salad Building: Prepare and assemble a colourful harvest salad featuring roasted butternut squash, lentils, kale, and a homemade dressing.
• Nutrition Basics: Explore how different ingredients contribute to nutrients such as fibre, plant-based protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
• Kitchen Confidence: Gain practical cooking skills and nutrition knowledge that can be used to create satisfying meals at home.

A Welcoming Space for Everyone:

At Grow Cook Learn, we believe that healthy eating looks different for everyone. This is a judgment-free space where all bodies, backgrounds, and skill levels are celebrated. We focus on food neutrality and the joy of building skills as a community.

Families & Children:

Kids are absolutely welcome! Please keep in mind that the workshop involves working with hot ovens and sharp knives. We expect all participants to follow safe handling practices as we share tools and space. We are happy to make accommodations—please let us know if you require any specific arrangements when you register.

What to Bring:

• Your enthusiasm and curiosity!
• Closed-toe kitchen-appropriate shoes and attire.
• A hair tie or clip to secure long hair during preparation.

Note: All ingredients and tools are provided.

Accessibility & Parking:

The East Lions Community Centre is a fully accessible facility. There is ample free parking available on-site. The community kitchen features accessible entrances and bathrooms, as well as adjustable-height tables. While the main countertops are standard height, the kitchen includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible section with a sink and countertop to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

About East Lions Community Centre:

The East Lions Community Centre is a vibrant hub for the Argyle community and beyond. This modern facility offers a wide range of programming, including a full-sized pool, gymnasiums, and specialized rooms for art and weaving classes. The centre features a professional community kitchen space designed for collaborative learning and nutrition education. Outdoors, the facility is surrounded by a large park featuring accessible playgrounds, basketball courts, and space for soccer. Whether you are looking for yoga, Pilates, or a place to connect with neighbours, East Lions serves as a cornerstone for recreation and wellness in London. We are excited to be borrowing their kitchen space for our workshop. Learn more at East Lions Community Centre.

About Grow Cook Learn:

The London Community Resource Centre (LCRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through food education and security. Grow Cook Learn is one of LCRC’s core programs, offering hands-on workshops that promote nutrition literacy, foster community connections, and build confidence in the kitchen.

Disclaimers:

• Ingredient Selection: Vegetable availability (fresh vs. frozen) may vary based on budget and seasonal supply.
• Allergen Note: All ingredients provided are vegan. This workshop involves mustard. If you have specific allergies, please inform us during registration.
• Group Work: Due to limited oven space and kitchen equipment, participants will work together in groups. This collaborative approach allows everyone to gain hands-on cooking experience while learning from one another. Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the finished product and may have leftovers to take home.
• Attendance Policy: To ensure a quality experience, please plan to attend the entire session. Arriving late means missing vital safety information regarding hot plate use and food sanitation, and leaving early may result in incomplete recipes.