How to make Spanish Mixed Green Salad

Amidst my travels through the sun-drenched landscapes of Spain, where culinary delights abound at every corner, I was fortunate to discover a refreshing complement to the rich, bold flavors of Spanish cuisine: the Spanish Mixed Green Salad. Crafted from a verdant palette of baby spinach, Boston lettuce, and romaine lettuce, this salad is a symphony of textures—crisp, tender, and utterly invigorating. Each leafy green offers its unique flavor, contributing to a salad that is simple yet sophisticated, embodying the essence of freshness with every bite.

Inspired by this culinary revelation, I was determined to recreate the magic of this dish back home. Through a blend of research and culinary intuition, I honed a recipe that captures the vibrant heart of the original dish. It is with great pleasure and a sprinkle of wanderlust that I share this Spanish Mixed Green Salad recipe with you. Let this salad transport you to a quaint Spanish café, where the food is heartwarming and the atmosphere is filled with joyous laughter and lively conversations.

Spanish Mixed Green Salad Recipe

Spanish Mixed Green Salad

The Spanish Mixed Green Salad offers a refreshing and vibrant taste journey through Spain's culinary landscape, showcasing the freshness and simplicity characteristic of Spanish cuisine. With a mix of baby spinach, Boston lettuce, and romaine lettuce, this salad presents a varied texture and rich blend of leafy flavors. Discovered amidst travels that highlighted the diverse and dynamic nature of culinary traditions, this recipe brings a piece of Spanish gastronomy to any table. The innate freshness of the greens, combined with a subtle dressing, makes it not just a side dish but a testament to the light and healthful aspects of Mediterranean dining. Inspired by the experiences and flavors encountered on this journey, the salad has been recreated with joy and is shared to evoke the essence of Spanish meals – simplicity, freshness, and vibrant flavors all on one plate. It's more than a recipe; it's an invitation to embrace the wholesome and spirited essence of Spanish cooking, celebrating the joyous laughter and lively conversations that happen around the dining table.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 people

Calories 256 kcal

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 Spanish onion
• 10 -12 green olives
• 2 cups Boston lettuce
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 cups romaine lettuce

Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Combine all of the dressing components in a mixing bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined.
• Toss with salad well before eating.

Keyword baby spinach, Boston lettuce, tomatoes

Cooking Tips about Spanish Mixed Green Salad

• Freshness is Key: The beauty of a Spanish Mixed Green Salad lies in the quality of its ingredients. Choose the freshest baby spinach, Boston lettuce, and romaine lettuce you can find. Their crispness and flavors are the foundation of this dish.
• Wash and Dry Greens Thoroughly: After washing your greens, ensure they are thoroughly dried. Excess water can dilute the dressing, making the salad less flavorful. A salad spinner or patting the leaves dry with clean kitchen towels works well.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: The dressing for your mixed green salad should be simple yet impactful. High-quality extra virgin olive oil will add depth and richness to the salad. Combine it with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a bright acidity that complements the greens.
• Subtle Seasoning: This salad thrives on subtlety. A light sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper is all you need. These seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the greens without overwhelming them.
• Add Texture and Flavor with Add-Ons: While the salad is focused on greens, adding texture and complementary flavors can elevate it. Consider tossing in thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber slices. Toasted nuts or seeds, like pine nuts or pumpkin seeds, introduce a pleasant crunch and nuttiness.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the salad’s freshness and prevent wilting, dress the salad just before it’s served. Gently toss the greens with the dressing to ensure an even coating without bruising the delicate leaves.
• Embrace Variety: Don’t hesitate to vary the greens based on availability and preference. Arugula, watercress, or mixed baby greens can also work nicely, adding different textures and flavors.
• Serving Suggestions: This salad makes a perfect starter or side dish. It pairs beautifully with robust Spanish dishes such as paella, grilled fish, or roasted meats, providing a refreshing balance to rich flavors.

Serving suggestions about Spanish Mixed Green Salad

• Pair with Dressings on the Side: Provide a selection of dressings on the side, allowing guests to customize their salad to suit their tastes. Options such as a classic vinaigrette, a creamy lemon-tahini dressing, or even a simple drizzle of high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar can enhance the natural flavors of the greens.
• Accompany with Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread or baguette to accompany the salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into any leftover dressing and makes the meal more satisfying.
• Serve as a Starter or Side Dish: Present the Spanish Mixed Green Salad as a refreshing starter or side dish to precede heavier, main course options. Its light and crisp nature makes it an ideal palate cleanser between rich and flavorful courses.
• Add Crisp Toppings for Texture: Introduce an array of toppings to add texture and variety to the salad. Consider including toppings like toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts), seeds (pumpkin or sunflower seeds), or homemade croutons for that extra crunch.
• Incorporate Seasonal Fresh Fruits: For a sweet contrast to the savory elements, consider adding thin slices of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, pears, apples, or citrus segments. These can introduce a delightful sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Cheese Pairings: Offer shavings of cheese such as Parmesan, Manchego, or soft goat cheese as an optional garnish. Cheese adds a savory depth that complements the fresh, crisp textures of the salad leaves.
• Wine Pairing: Enhance your meal with a wine pairing that complements the light and fresh characteristics of the salad. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Rosé can be an excellent choice, balancing the greens’ flavors effectively.
• Elegant Presentation: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter to showcase the variety of greens and toppings. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance and freshness.

Top 5 FAQs about Spanish Mixed Green Salad

• What are the key ingredients in a Spanish Mixed Green Salad? The foundation of a Spanish Mixed Green Salad includes a mix of fresh greens such as baby spinach, Boston lettuce, and romaine lettuce. These varieties offer a blend of textures and subtle flavors that embody the freshness and simplicity of Spanish cuisine.
• How can I ensure the greens remain fresh and crisp in the salad? To keep the greens fresh and crisp, wash them thoroughly under cold water and then use a salad spinner or pat them dry with clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture. Storing the greens in the refrigerator until ready to serve can also help retain their crispness.
• What type of dressing goes best with this salad? A simple yet flavorful dressing made from high-quality extra virgin olive oil combined with white wine vinegar or lemon juice works best. This dressing complements the natural flavors of the greens without overpowering them. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
• Can I add other ingredients to the salad for variety? Absolutely! While the salad focuses on greens, you can add thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, toasted nuts (like pine nuts or pumpkin seeds), or any other preferred vegetables and toppings to introduce additional textures and flavors.
• How should the salad be served for the best experience? Dress the salad lightly just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. Offering a variety of dressings on the side can cater to individual preferences. Serve as a refreshing starter or side dish to complement heartier Spanish meals like paella, grilled fish, or roasted meats, enhancing the meal with a balance of fresh and rich flavors.