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recipesvibrant

"green" Salad

Recipe card by SEvansEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
VegetableLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthy< 15 Mins
"green" Salad

Total time

10 min

Servings

1

Calories

238.6

Category

Greens

The 'Green' Salad is a vibrant, 10-minute assembly that relies on the crisp, ruffled edges of green leaf lettuce paired with citrusy brightness. It is the perfect refreshing meal for beginners looking for an uncomplicated, plant-based lunch that prioritizes fresh textures over heavy prep.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 1 green leaf lettuce
  • 4 green onions
  • 1 mandarin oranges

Method

  1. tear green leaf lettuce into bite size pieces.

  2. de-stem your baby spinach.

  3. Wash in cold water - towel or spin dry.

  4. cut up your green onions.

  5. drain your mandarin oranges well.

  6. toss it all together

  7. serve with a vinaigrette at serving (to avoid soggy salad).

Cook's notes

  • Ensure your green leaf lettuce is bone-dry after washing; excess water prevents the dressing from coating the leaves properly.
  • Slice your green onions on a sharp bias to increase their surface area, allowing their mild sharpness to distribute evenly across the soft lettuce.
  • Pat the mandarin oranges dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bowl to prevent the syrup or juice from making the greens soggy.
  • Tear the lettuce by hand rather than using a knife to prevent premature browning along the edges of the leaves.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of green leaf lettuce, use arugulaUse arugula if you prefer a peppery, spicy bite to contrast with the sweet mandarins.
  • Instead of green onions, use chivesChives provide a much milder onion flavor that won't overpower the delicate citrus notes.
  • Instead of mandarin oranges, use fresh grapefruit segmentsGrapefruit offers a sophisticated, tart acidity that cuts through the earthy flavor of the lettuce.
  • Instead of mandarin oranges, use sliced green grapesIf you want a crunch instead of a burst of juice, halved green grapes mimic the color palette perfectly.

Frequently asked

Can I prep the green onions ahead of time?

Yes, green onions hold up well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days before being added to your salad.

Does this salad need a dressing?

The mandarin oranges provide a natural sweetness and moisture, but a light drizzle of rice vinegar or a neutral oil complements the onions beautifully.

Why is there baby spinach in the instructions but not the ingredient list?

This recipe focuses on green leaf lettuce, but you can include a handful of baby spinach for added color and a slightly more nutrient-dense base.

What is the best way to wash the lettuce?

Use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture quickly, or gently pat the leaves between two clean kitchen towels to ensure they stay crisp.

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