French Bistro Salad

Name: French Bistro Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 big head green oak or butter/bibb lettuce ((about 8 big handfuls - but don't crush the leaves to measure!)); 1 baby cos/romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup tarragon leaves; 1/2 cup chives (, cut into 3cm / 1 1/2" lengths); 3/4 cup parsley leaves; 1/2 cup walnuts (, roughly chopped then toasted and cooled (optional, Note 1)); 2 eschalots ((aka French onion, US: shallots), finely sliced); 2/3 cup red or white wine vinegar; 4 tbsp white sugar; 1.5 tbsp lemon juice; 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper

Instructions

Prep:10min

This is a classic French Leaf Salad you'll find in bistros all across France, known for the use of lots of fresh herbs with a simple dressing. Light and clean, intended to be served alongside rich foods like Quiche Lorraine, Beef bourguignon and Coq au Vin that French food is known for. Though French, it will suit any Western food - and beyond!Use this recipe as more of a guide rather than exact recipe to be followed. Switch the leafy greens, use herbs you enjoy, crack open a jar of something pickled. Just make sure to use LOTS of fresh herbs!

Updated at: Sun, 11 Oct 2026 08:32:30 GMT