Why It Works Strategic tossing preserves the delicate texture of the ingredients: Dress the greens with bell peppers and sundried tomatoes, then gently fold in the avocado and finish with cheese and walnuts. A spoonful of mayo helps the oil and acid form a stable emulsion without being too pungent. An emulsified dressing helps the dressing cling to every leaf. When I was a private chef in Malibu years ago, nights off were rare—and when I had one, I wasn't looking to cook. Most of the time, that meant something low-effort at home, but now and then I'd head to Taverna Tony , a long-running Greek spot in the Malibu Country Mart, for something simple done really well. I almost always ordered the same thing: their California salad, usually with grilled salmon. I would sometimes settle into the patio as the light faded, the tables filling up around me. A plate of warm bread and their garlicky house dip would arrive almost immediately.…