Cook's Illustrated

How to Make a Great Green Salad

A box of baby greens is a fine way to make a salad. But this delicate produce can’t compete with mature head lettuces, whose crisp, flavorful, bristling leaves also offer a sturdier base to support add-ins like cheeses, fruits, and vegetables that add interest and character to a salad. We have also found that seemingly small tweaks—such as how thoroughly you dry your greens, the way you prep add-ins, the order in which you add ingredients to the serving bowl, and the extra effort of emulsifying your dressing—can make the difference between a good salad and a truly memorable one.

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Familiar head lettuces such as Bibb, romaine, and red or green

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