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.
Servings: 2
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.
- 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 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!