Everyday Dinner Salad
A classic side salad with crisp lettuce, chopped shallot, fresh herbs, and caper-cornichon vinaigrette.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American, French
Servings: 4
Calories: 246kcal
Salad
- 2-3 heads assorted lettuces or four heaping cups of mixed greens
- 3 tbsp finely chopped chives
- 1/2 c loosely packed fresh dill or parsley
- 2 radishes thinly sliced on a mandolin
- flakey sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
Caper-Cornichon Vinaigrette
- 1 heaping tbsp capers
- 4 each cornichon
- 1 small shallot
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 c lemon juice
- 1/2 c olive oil
Wash the lettuce leaves and herbs in ice-cold water then dry in a salad spinner.
Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl along with the shaved radish and half the herbs. Toss the salad with the vinaigrette, just enough to coat the leaves, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
To serve: pile the salad onto plates or a platter, top with the rest of the chopped herbs, serve immediately!
Caper-Cornichon Vinaigrette
Tips and tricks for delicious, flavorful salads:
Wash your lettuce in ice-cold water and dry it really well.
The lettuce must be dry, if it's not the dressing will slide right off and you will be left with a wet, flavorless salad. I highly suggest investing in a salad spinner. I love mine and use it almost daily.
Season your salad
Yes, that's right, salads need seasoning too! Season your salad with salt and pepper while you're tossing it with the dressing.
Add fresh herbs
Fresh, tender, leafy herbs add so much flavor to a salad. Some of my favorites are mint, chives, tarragon, dill, and parsley.
Taste your salad before serving
Does it need more salt or pepper? Maybe a touch more acid or sweetness? Adjust the flavors as needed before you serve it.
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Iron: 1mg