French Bistro Salad

This light, flavorful French bistro salad, with tender lettuce leaves, tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette, is ready in minutes and pairs well with almost any meal. 

Sometimes I love a simple salad–no fuss, no muss, just simple & delicious. I had some beautiful butter lettuce, so I decided to let it shine and make this simple French bistro-style salad from one I saw on Gourmand in the Kitchen. I tossed the tender butter lettuce leaves in a homemade Dijon vinaigrette loaded with shallots, and served the salad with some fresh chives, parsley, and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. My kids and I devoured the salad in minutes, and we all thought it was delicious. This easy bistro salad recipe pairs nicely with chicken Francese, orzo with roasted veggies, and some crusty bread loaded with roasted garlic.

French Bistro Salad

Dijon Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ a small shallot, finely minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Sea salt, or to taste
• Pinch of sugar, to taste

Salad:

• 8 oz butter lettuce leaves (or bibb lettuce leaves), cleaned and spun dry with a salad spinner, if possible; otherwise, dry well on tea towels.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make French Bistro Salad:

Prepare the Dijon vinaigrette by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, shallot, Dijon, sea salt, and sugar to taste in a small glass jar. Seal with a lid and shake well. Set aside and let the flavors mingle.

Prepare the salad by placing the clean and dry butter lettuce leaves in a large bowl. Drizzle with some of the well-shaken Dijon vinaigrette to taste. Toss to coat evenly.

To serve, top with fresh chives, parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.