Everyday Dinner Salad

A salad in a wooden bowl on a marble tabletop.

5 from 2 votes

A perfect combination of fresh, crisp lettuces lightly dressed in a lively vinaigrette – this simple, unassuming salad is surprisingly versatile. It's perfect as a starter, side or light meal, and you probably have the ingredients on hand already.

Prep Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American, French

Servings:

Calories: 246kcal

Author: Leigh Anderson

Ingredients

Salad:

4 heaping cups assorted lettuces leaves like; butter lettuce, little gems, arugula washed and dried

Vinaigrette:

1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or lemon juice
1 clove garlic grated
1 small shallot minced
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions

Salad:

Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. 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, serve immediately!

Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, garlic and shallot. While whisking, begin to slowly stream in the olive oil, whisking continuously until all of the oil is incorporated.
Season the dressing with freshly cracked black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Use right away or store in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid, in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Ingredients Notes and Substitutions:

Lettuces: you can really use almost any lettuces you like here. A combination of butter lettuce and little gems is my go-to. I'll sometimes throw in some watercress or arugula too.
Vinegar: You can use any vinegar you like here, or any that you have on hand like; red wine, apple cider, sherry, even balsamic. Lemon juice is great too.

Tips and Tricks for Better Homemade 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. A salad spinner is your best friend here!
- Season your salad with salt and pepper. Salads crave seasoning just like any other dish. Toss your greens with dressing and sprinkle in some flakey sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

- Always 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.

Nutrition