Green leaf lettuce salad – it’s a classic for a reason. This salad is light, crisp, and bursting with fresh flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned salad enthusiast or a kitchen newbie, this easy-to-follow guide will have you whipping up a restaurant-quality green leaf lettuce salad in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Versatile: The neutral flavor of green leaf lettuce makes it a blank canvas for your favorite toppings.
- Healthy and Refreshing: Loaded with vitamins and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Green Leaf Lettuce: 1 head, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces (about 6 cups)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1/2 cup, thinly sliced
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup chopped (such as dill, parsley, or chives)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Optional Toppings: Croutons, shredded cheese, toasted nuts, avocado slices
Tools of the Trade
- Salad Spinner: For washing and drying the lettuce
- Cutting Board: For prepping your veggies
- Chef’s Knife: For chopping and slicing
- Salad Bowl: For tossing and serving your masterpiece
Step-by-Step Guide to Salad Perfection
- Prep Your Produce: Wash the lettuce thoroughly and spin or pat it dry. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Chop your herbs.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs to a large salad bowl.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
