I think that when taking pictures of food we need to deliver the audience much more then “oh !..vegetables”. We need to allow them to smell and taste as well. Textures can be transmitted to us in pictures if the object appropriate angle is captured. I think sunlight and the distance from the camera and food can be what defines the objects texture. The picture of the salad on the left transmits the crunchiness of the arugula and cucumber but shows the shine of the dressing. The light exposure on the vegetables allows for them to be define and gives the sense that its in front of you.

Green Salad with house dressing