Here’s our favorite version of a basic side salad, with fresh herbs and the vinaigrette components in just the right proportions. You can serve it plain, or customize it with toasted nuts, croutons, or other add-ons.
The colorful edible flowers, tender herbs and lettuces, and crunchy sugar snap peas for this pretty salad might all be growing in your garden, but if not, try a well-stocked grocery store or farmers’ market.
Many farmers’ markets now carry the small, crisp variety of romaine called Little Gem, but you can also spoon the homemade blue cheese dressing over regular hearts of romaine.
Contrast the feathery textures of baby Asian greens with the crunch of quick-pickled onion, Asian pear, and sesame seeds. This salad is especially good made with the varieties at left, but feel free to experiment.