Everyday Dinner Salad

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5 from 2 votes

A classic side salad with crisp lettuce, chopped shallot, fresh herbs, and caper-cornichon vinaigrette.

Prep Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American, French

Servings:

Calories: 246kcal

Author: Leigh Anderson

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

Blend all of the ingredients in a blender on high until smooth and creamy.

Notes

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.

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