Do Not Underestimate a Green Salad

A thoughtful mix of leafy greens and aromatic garden herbs makes this salad layered, nuanced, and refreshingly vibrant.
Do Not Underestimate a Green Salad
The secret lies in the layering: Arrange the greens in loose piles, scattering fresh herbs and a hint of citrus zest between each layer before adding the next. Photo by Lynda Balslev for Tastefood
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Invite this salad to your spring table. Though it may look simple at first glance, this bowl of greens is anything but ordinary. A thoughtful mix of leafy greens and aromatic garden herbs makes this salad layered, nuanced, and refreshingly vibrant.

The secret lies in the layering: Arrange the greens in loose piles, scattering fresh herbs and a hint of citrus zest between each layer before adding the next. Choose crisp lettuces like little gems for crunch, then weave in more delicate leaves—such as arugula or mustard greens—for a gentle peppery bite. Fragrant herbs like tarragon, flat-leaf parsley, mint, dill, and chives add depth, while lemon zest brightens every bite. There’s no need to be heavy-handed—mix and match as you please. A citrusy vinaigrette brings everything together, offering just the right balance of sharpness and sweetness with a touch of honey.

Lynda Balslev
Lynda Balslev
Author
Lynda Balslev is a cookbook author, food and travel writer, and recipe developer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she lives with her Danish husband, two children, a cat, and a dog. Balslev studied cooking at Le Cordon Bleu Ecole de Cuisine in Paris and worked as a personal chef, culinary instructor, and food writer in Switzerland and Denmark. Copyright 2026 Lynda Balslev. Distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication.