Want to take a simple salad from basic to bursting with flavor? Try adding fresh herbs!
It’s easy to create your own herb salad, and in this guide, we’ll show you how, from selecting the right herbs to prepping them perfectly and choosing dressings that complement their flavors.
Herb salads can be a light and refreshing meal on their own, or they can be a flavorful side dish. Whether you have an herb garden overflowing with fresh greens or you just want to add more flavor to your meals, this guide will give you the knowledge and inspiration to create your own herb salad masterpiece.
Choosing the right herbs
When it comes to creating a really great herb salad, the herbs you choose will make all the difference. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Soft-leaf herbs: The foundation
Generally, soft-leaf herbs are your best bet for salads because of their delicate texture and mild, fresh flavor. Some great choices include parsley, mint, chives, basil, cilantro, and dill.
You can use these herbs pretty generously to form the heart of your salad. Try starting with equal parts lettuce, greens, and herbs, and then adjust to suit your own tastes.
Stronger herbs: Use with caution
Herbs with bolder flavors, like rosemary, sage, savory, and hyssop, should be used sparingly because they can easily overpower the other flavors in the salad.
When you’re using stronger herbs, chop them finely and add them in small amounts, tasting as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take them out.
Exploring edible flowers
Edible flowers can add a beautiful splash of color and a subtle touch of flavor to your herb salads. Nasturtiums and violets are a good place to start.
Generally, you’ll want to use between ¼ and ½ cup of edible flowers in your salad.
Preparing Your Herbs and Greens
How you prep your greens and herbs can affect the flavor and texture of your salad. Here are a few tips:
Washing and Drying
Wash all herbs and greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to them. Gently wash lettuce in cold water.
It’s important to dry the herbs and greens completely before you assemble the salad. A salad spinner works well, or you can pat them dry with a clean towel.
Cutting and Chopping
Tender herbs, like parsley, can be left whole or roughly chopped. For tougher herbs, finely chop or chiffonade them to release their flavor. Mint, for example, can be chiffonaded or roughly chopped.
Try to cut the herbs just before serving to prevent browning and preserve their aroma.
Choosing Greens
For a salad where the herbs really shine, it’s best to use mild-flavored greens that will complement, rather than compete with, the herbs. Arugula, butter lettuce, and romaine lettuce are all good choices.
How to make a simple vinaigrette
A simple vinaigrette is the perfect salad dressing for a fresh herb salad. My favorite is a lemon vinaigrette.
A classic vinaigrette has oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and spices. The ratio to remember is 2 parts oil to 1 part acid. So, for example, you might use 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Whisk the ingredients together until they emulsify, or shake them up in a jar. Then, add salt, pepper, or any other spices or herbs you like.
Dress your salad right before you serve it, and prepare the vinaigrette just before you dress the salad. This will prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
The best thing about an herb salad is that you can make it your own.
- Use whatever herbs you like best.
- Add other vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Top it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to make it a meal.
- Add cheese, nuts, or seeds for more flavor and crunch.
I’ve had this salad topped with a fried egg and a slice of sourdough for a light dinner. It’s also great as a side dish.
Experiment with different herb combinations until you find your favorite flavor profile.
In Closing
Herb salads are a fantastic way to use fresh herbs and greens. They’re versatile, delicious, and often surprisingly simple.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and dressings to find what you like best. The possibilities are endless!
Embrace the ease and freshness of herb salads as a healthy and flavorful addition to your diet. Once you start making herb salads, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.