This French salad recipe uses fresh French market produce to compose a Paris bistro salad inspired by popular French salads made in France.

Paris Bistro Salad

This Paris Bistro Salad recipe with homemade French vinaigrette is a composed salad, meaning it is carefully arranged and drizzled with dressing rather than just tossed together, to create a beautiful presentation. I tried to compose a fleur-de-lis, symbolic of France, but culinary art does not always stay in place. However, how the salad tastes is more important, and his composed French bistro salad is delicious! Or in française, cette salade composée est délicieuse!

French cuisine is one of my absolute favorites! I have been fortunate enough to visit France on multiple occasions and have loved every bite while visiting, whether in Paris or a small village in Provence. When I think of most of the French food I happily ate, I think of butter, lots of butter! After consuming so much butter, I desperately needed to eat a salad… sans butter. This healthy vegetarian salad is filled with fresh veggies and has options for a light French dressing that is guilt-free yet flavorful. It is reminiscent of the French salads served at bistrots in France and is a wonderful salad served for brunch, lunch, or dinner, or paired with a main course such as seafood or pasta.

There are many popular French salads that use a variety of ingredients. So, this Parisian bistro salad recipe includes a variety of ingredient options to suit various occasions and tastes. I have listed some variations for you to choose from below. I hope you enjoy la salade de Paris bistrot!

French Salad Ingredients

These fresh French salad ingredients are vegetarian and common ingredients that you would find at a French farmers’ market or marché in France. However, you can easily change up the ingredients for your salad creation. Feel free to add your choice of protein, including eggs and bacon, which are commonly included in a French bistro salad. This salad can be served as a warm salad or a cold salad, depending on the ingredients that you choose to use.

French Salad Greens: Use the salad greens of your choice. A spring mix or a variety of greens including arugula, chard, endive, escarole, frisée, mâche, radicchio, romaine or spinach.
Almonds: French Toasted Almonds are my favorite addition to this salad! However, you can also use Garlic Roasted Almonds, or Dry Roasted Almonds.
Haricots Verts: Blanched, sautéed, or roasted French green beans. You can find all of the variations in my Haricots Verts Amandine Recipe, or make that recipe and use the leftovers for your salad.
Radishes: Raw, thinly sliced radishes or Rosemary Roasted Radishes.
Chevre: Crumbled goat cheese is optional. You can easily omit the cheese for a vegan French salad. You can also use a different cheese if you would prefer.

French Salad Ingredient Variations

The French salad ingredients below can be substitutes or additions to the main ingredients.

Asparagus – You can swap the haricots with raw asparagus, sautéed asparagus, blanched, or roasted asparagus.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon for garnish.
Fruit: Try adding some fruit like fresh berries or Baked Pears.
Mushrooms: These White Wine Mushrooms are wonderful if you want a warm salad.
Pecans: These Maple Bourbon Pecans are delicious and give the salad French-Canadian vibes! 🍁
Potatoes: These Roasted Breakfast Potatoes are perfect for a French brunch salad!
Walnuts: You can add the Herb Walnuts in addition to or in place of the almonds.
Your Choice of Protein: I already mentioned bacon and eggs, this Baked Tofu is a wonderful vegan option, and Shrimp are a delicious addition to a pescatarian dinner salad.

French Salad Dressing

Homemade French salad dressing is the best and so much better than store-bought salad dressing!

French Dijon Dressing – A light French vinaigrette that also includes an oil-free recipe variation for a low-calorie, guilt-free salad dressing.
Mimosa Champagne Vinaigrette – A sweeter dressing that is perfect for a brunch salad!

How to Compose a French Salad

To make this composed French bistro salad, first, prepare your ingredients. You can make most, if not all, of the salad components in advance for quick and easy meal prep.

French Salad Components

French Salad Dressing: Make the French Dijon Dressing or the Mimosa Champagne Vinaigrette. You can also use the salad dressing of your choice.

Almonds: You can make the French Toasted Almonds in advance and store them in an air-tight container once they have cooled.

Haricots Verts: Blanch the haricots verts in a pot of salted water for about 3 minutes, until tender-crisp, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching helps retain the haricots’ bright green color. Once they have cooled, drain and pat dry. As an alternative, make Haricots Verts Amandine, served warm or cold.

Radishes: Thinly slice raw fresh radishes or make Rosemary Roasted Radishes.

Composed Salad

To compose a French salad, first, make a bed of salad greens on a large salad plate or serving dish. Arrange the haricots and radishes on top of the greens, giving thought to your design. Sprinkle with the crumbled goat cheese and garnish with almonds.

Finally, drizzle the French dressing of your choice over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your beautifully composed salad!

Print Recipe

French Salad

This French salad recipe uses fresh French market produce to compose a Paris bistro salad inspired by popular French salads made in France.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Salad

Cuisine: French

Keyword: French Bistro Salad, French Market Salad, French Salad, Paris Bistro Salad

Servings:

Author: Christi

Ingredients

6 - 8 ounces salad greens (see notes)
4 ounces haricots verts or green beans (see notes)
4 ounces radishes raw or roasted (see notes)
1 ounce chevre crumbled goat cheese (optional)
1/3 cup almonds (sliced - see notes for options)
1/4 cup French salad dressing (see notes for options)

Instructions

Salad Components

Note: You can make most, if not all, of the salad components in advance for quick and easy meal prep.
French Salad Dressing: Make the French Dijon Dressing or the Mimosa Champagne Vinaigrette. You can also use the salad dressing of your choice.
Almonds: You can make the French Toasted Almonds in advance and store them in an air-tight container once they have cooled. (See notes for more options)
Haricots Verts: Blanch the haricots verts in a pot of salted water for about 3 minutes, until tender-crisp, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching helps retain the haricots' bright green color. Once they have cooled, drain and pat dry. As an alternative, make Haricots Verts Amandine, served warm or cold.
Radishes: Thinly slice raw fresh radishes or make Rosemary Roasted Radishes.

Compose Salad

Make a bed of salad greens on a large salad plate or serving dish.
Arrange the haricots and radishes on top of the greens, giving thought to your design. Add any additional ingredients. (see notes)
Sprinkle with the crumbled goat cheese and garnish with almonds.
Drizzle the French dressing of your choice over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your beautifully composed salad!

Notes

French Salad Ingredients

These fresh French salad ingredients are vegetarian. However, you can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste.

French Salad Greens: Use the salad greens of your choice. A spring mix or a blend of any greens including arugula, chard, endive, escarole, frisée, mâche, radicchio, romaine or spinach.
Almonds: French Toasted Almonds are my favorite addition to this salad! However, you can also use Garlic Roasted Almonds, or Dry Roasted Almonds.
Haricots Verts: Blanched, sautéed, or roasted French green beans. You can find all of the variations in my Haricots Verts Amandine Recipe, or make that recipe and use the leftovers for your salad.
Radishes: Raw, thinly sliced radishes or Rosemary Roasted Radishes.
Chevre: Crumbled goat cheese is optional. You can easily omit the cheese for a vegan French salad. You can also use a different cheese if you would prefer.

French Salad Ingredient Variations

Asparagus - You can swap the haricots with raw asparagus, sautéed asparagus, blanched, or roasted asparagus.
Fruit: Try adding some fruit like fresh berries or Baked Pears.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and tarragon for garnish.
Mushrooms: These White Wine Mushrooms are wonderful if you want a warm salad.
Pecans: These Maple Bourbon Pecans are delicious and give the salad French-Canadian vibes!
Potatoes: These Roasted Breakfast Potatoes are perfect for a French brunch salad!
Walnuts: You can add the Herb Walnuts in addition to or in place of the almonds.
Your Choice of Protein: Bacon and eggs are common additions to a French salad, but this Baked Tofu is a wonderful vegan option, and Shrimp are a delicious addition to a pescatarian salad.

French Salad Dressing

French Dijon Dressing - A light French vinaigrette that also includes an oil-free recipe variation for a low-calorie, guilt-free salad dressing.
Mimosa Champagne Vinaigrette - A sweeter dressing that is perfect for a brunch salad!

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