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French Bistro Green Salad (Simple, Fresh, and Effortlessly Elegant)

his French Bistro Green Salad combines crisp mixed greens, radishes, shallot, and fresh herbs with a sharp Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It comes together in under 15 minutes and makes a fresh starter, side dish, or light meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Salad
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed greens butter lettuce, frisée, or arugula
  • 1/2 small shallot thinly sliced
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar for the vinaigrette
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board Mandoline slicer, optional, for paper-thin shallot and radish slices

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens — a salad spinner works best so the dressing clings properly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar until smooth.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to form an emulsified vinaigrette.
  4. Stir in the honey (if using), then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the greens, shallot, and radish slices.
  6. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.
  7. Top with fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Dry the greens thoroughly before dressing so the vinaigrette clings well and the salad stays crisp.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the leaves crisp and fresh.