How to Make a Perfect Side Salad.

Serves 1 · Prep: 5 min

Make It

1. Add 2–3 cups leafy greens to a bowl. Butter lettuce, romaine, arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.

2. Add any raw veggies you have. Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radish, red onion, or shaved fennel.

3. Add fresh herbs. Dill, parsley, chives, mint, or basil.

4. Dress it, choosing one:
   1 Tbsp olive oil + sea salt, black pepper and herbs
   1 Tbsp olive oil + 1½ tsp lemon juice or vinegar + optional Dijon
   2 Tbsp store-bought with no seed oils or added sugar

5. Toss with your hands so every leaf is coated.

Notes

• Dry the greens properly. Dressing slides off wet leaves and pools at the bottom of the bowl.

• Dress it at the table, not ahead. Greens wilt within minutes.

• Herbs are what make a side salad taste like something rather than an obligation. Use more than feels sensible.

• Want a real dressing? Classic Vinaigrette, Easy Lemon Olive Oil, Tahini, Green Goddess, Healthy Ranch, Healthy Caesar, Asian Sesame, or Chimichurri.

• Counts as Non-Starchy Veggies at 2–3 cups, and the dressing is 1 Healthy Fat.