Maude's green salad

Maude's Green Salad Recipe from Italy with Iceberg Lettuce, Boston Lettuce, Chicory, Spinach, Romaine Lettuce, and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Maude's green salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for any meal. This salad is a combination of various types of lettuce and spinach, topped with a flavorful low-calorie Italian dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Maude's green salad has been a staple in many households for years. This classic salad recipe has been passed down through generations and is loved for its fresh and crisp flavors. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course with added protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp.

Ingredients

0.5 head of iceberg lettuce
0.5 head of boston lettuce
0.5 head of chicory
0.5 lb (227 g) of spinach
0.5 head of romaine lettuce
5 tbsp of low-calorie italian dressing
1 tbsp of parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Rinse and crisp the salad greens.
Break iceberg lettuce into bite-size pieces.
Carefully pat iceberg dry on a towel.
Place in a large plastic bag.
Add 1 tbsp of Italian dressing.
Shake lightly until all leaves are covered.
Place in a strip on a medium platter or plate.
Repeat with each green.
Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan cheese.
Food exchange per serving: negligible
Calories: negligible

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a complete meal. You can also add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Maude's green salad is crisp and fresh, be sure to rinse and pat dry the salad greens before assembling the salad. It is also important to use a good quality low-calorie Italian dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad. Additionally, be sure to sprinkle the Parmesan cheese lightly over the salad for a perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Maude's green salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Maude's green salad is to rinse and pat dry the salad greens before assembling the salad. This will ensure that the greens are crisp and fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of lettuce and greens that you prefer for this salad. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad greens and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad greens in a colorful and appealing way on a platter or plate for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Maude's green salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat the salad as the greens will wilt.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 50 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Maude's green salad is a low-calorie and nutritious dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to add more greens to their diet.

Summary

Maude's green salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh and crisp flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Maude's green salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maude at her quaint little cottage in the countryside. Maude was always known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was eager to learn some of her culinary secrets.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables. Maude was bustling about, chopping and mixing ingredients with the skill of a seasoned chef. I couldn't help but marvel at her expertise and asked if she would be willing to share her recipe for the green salad she was preparing.

With a twinkle in her eye, Maude beckoned me over to the counter where she had laid out all the ingredients for the salad. She began to explain the process of how to make it, starting with the selection of the freshest greens and vegetables from her garden.

"First, you'll need a mix of crisp lettuce, such as romaine or butterhead," Maude said, her hands deftly tearing the leaves into bite-sized pieces. "Then, add in some peppery arugula and tender baby spinach for a variety of flavors and textures."

As she continued to layer on ingredients like thinly sliced cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy radishes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at her culinary prowess. Maude explained that the key to a great green salad was in the balance of flavors and textures, and she encouraged me to experiment with different combinations to find my own unique spin on the recipe.

Next, Maude showed me how to make her signature vinaigrette dressing, a simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. She whisked the ingredients together in a small bowl, tasting and adjusting until she was satisfied with the balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Finally, Maude tossed the salad with the dressing, making sure to coat each leaf and vegetable evenly. She garnished the dish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts and crumbled feta cheese, adding a final touch of richness and crunch.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, I couldn't help but marvel at how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a delicious and satisfying dish. Maude's green salad was a true testament to the power of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the skill of a talented cook.

Over the years, I have made Maude's green salad countless times, each time adding my own personal touch to the recipe. Whether it's a sprinkle of fresh herbs from my own garden or a handful of roasted veggies from the farmer's market, I always find a way to make the dish my own while still honoring the tradition and spirit of Maude's original recipe.

Now, whenever I prepare Maude's green salad for my family and friends, I can't help but think back to that warm summer day in Maude's kitchen. It was a moment that sparked a lifelong love affair with cooking and a deep appreciation for the power of sharing recipes and traditions with those we hold dear.

In the end, Maude's green salad is more than just a dish – it's a symbol of friendship, creativity, and the joy of good food shared with loved ones. And for that, I am forever grateful to my dear friend Maude for passing down her recipe and inspiring me to create my own culinary legacy.