French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe

There’s something undeniably refreshing about tossing together a vibrant medley of greens and herbs, drizzling it with a tangy dressing, and finishing it off with a sprinkle of crunchy nuts and creamy cheese—just the thing to accompany any meal or stand proudly on its own.

This straightforward green salad is inspired by the French. It brings together mixed greens and the fresh flavors of parsley, dill, and chives.

I love how the salad makes use of shallots. A salad this simple really depends on the quality of its ingredients.

You want the freshest greens you can find—either homegrown or from a farmers’ market. Mixed greens bring not just a different flavor but also a different texture to the plate.

I should mention that I’m actually only offering a recipe for the greens in this salad; the dressing, nuts, and goat cheese are all optional.

French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Mixed Salad Greens: Rich in fiber, antioxidants; promote digestion and overall health.
• Fresh Parsley: Aids digestion, rich in vitamins C and K, adds vibrant flavor.
• Fresh Dill: Offers antioxidants, aids digestion, enhances flavor complexity.
• Fresh Chives: Provides vitamin K, adds mild onion-like flavor, supports bone health.
• Shallot: Offers antioxidants, adds mild sweetness, enhances immune function.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Healthy fats, rich in antioxidants, heart-healthy.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds tangy acidity, enhances flavors, low-calorie.

French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as frisée, arugula, and baby spinach)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 small shallot, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)

How to Make this French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe

1. In a big salad bowl, mix the salad greens thoroughly to ensure they are clean and dry. So that they can be eaten readily fresh, the greens should be mixed in this way.

2. Add the greens to the chopped parsley, dill, and chives.

3. Scatter the delicately diced shallot across the salad greens and the various herbs.

4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard by whisking them together. This will create the dressing.

5. Add salt and fresh black pepper to taste and whisk them into the dressing until fully incorporated. You need to be able to taste the seasoning for it to be well seasoned.

6. Evenly dress the salad mixture in the large bowl with the dressing.

7. Combine all ingredients in a salad and evenly coat them with the dressing; be gentle while tossing so as not to bruise any delicate ingredients.

8. Add crunch to your salad by sprinkling on toasted nuts.

9. If you like, sprinkle the salad with goat cheese or feta for a flavor boost and a creamy texture.

10. Present right away as a cool companion or slight main dish, making sure every plate receives a good helping of the garnishes.

French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large salad bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Salad spinner (optional, for drying greens)
5. Chopping board
6. Knife
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Salad tongs or large spoons for tossing
10. Serving plates

FAQ

• Can I use different greens if I don’t have the ones listed?Of course, you can substitute other greens for the ones specified if you happen to have them on hand. Romaine, kale, or mixed spring greens can surely fill in and do just fine.
• How do I store leftover salad?The greens and dressing should ideally be kept in the refrigerator, stored separately from each other, to maintain the freshness and crispness of the salad.
• What other herbs can be included in this salad?Addition of herbs like basil or tarragon can enhance flavor if desired.
• Is there an alternative to using nuts?For a version without nuts, you can replace them with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a deliciously crunchy, protein-packed snack.
• What type of vinegar can be used instead of white wine vinegar?Vinegar that does not have a direct flavor impact can be used instead. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can serve as suitable replacements.
• Can I make this salad vegan?Yes, leave out the cheese or use vegan cheese to make the salad all vegan.
• Can the dressing be prepared ahead of time?Without a doubt, the dressing can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for as long as a week.

French Inspired Simple Green Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Salad greens in a mix: Replace with any assortment of lettuces such as romaine, butter, or kale that is not in the mix.
Fresh cilantro or basil leaves: Substitute with either fresh cilantro or fresh basil for a different flavor profile.
Shallot: Substitute with a small red onion or a few green onions for a milder taste.
Vinegar from white wine: Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to get a citrusy flavor.
Dijon mustard: Substitute with whole grain mustard or spicy mustard, which will add a little kick.

Pro Tips

1. Dry the Greens Thoroughly After washing the salad greens, make sure to dry them completely using a salad spinner or by patting them with a kitchen towel. Dry greens will allow the dressing to adhere better and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

2. Balance Herbs for Flavor Adjust the amount of parsley, dill, and chives to suit your taste. Dill has a strong flavor, so you might want to use it sparingly if you prefer a milder taste, or increase its amount for a more pronounced herby kick.

3. Customize the Dressing Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. You can adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar or balance it with a touch of honey if desired. This customization ensures the dressing complements the salad perfectly.

4. Enhance Texture with Nuts Toast the nuts in a dry pan on medium heat until golden and fragrant to bring out their nutty flavor. Allow them to cool slightly before adding them to maintain their crunchiness.

5. Layer the Salad When adding ingredients, layer them gently. Start with greens at the base, followed by herbs, shallots, nuts, and cheese on top. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and keeps the more delicate ingredients intact.