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    Home » Dietary Preferences » Peanut Free » 10 Minute Ensalada Verde

    10 Minute Ensalada Verde

    ★★★★★ from 1 reviews
    Aug 30, 2022 / by Salima Benkhalti / 1 Comment(updated Jan 4, 2023)

    19 shares
    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    a green salad in a bowl
    a green salad in a bowl

    Ensalada verde is a classic Spanish side salad made in just 10 minutes with fresh greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette. It's easily customizable and can be found on tables across the Caribbean.

    a green salad in a bowl

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    If you love Puerto Rican recipes, ensalada verde is the perfect addition to your table.

    This simple green salad pairs well with many classic Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules, arroz con pollo, and more!

    ingredients to make ensalada verde

    Ingredients

    Here's what you need to make ensalada verde:

    For the Salad

    • a head of butter lettuce or romaine, rinsed 
    • cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds
    • tomatoes, sliced 
    • small red onion,  sliced thinly 

    For the Dressing

    • salt
    • pepper
    • vinegar (white, red wine, or balsamic)
    • olive oil 

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    a bowl of butter lettuce

    Make the salad. Add the lettuce to a large bowl and top with sliced cucumber, tomato, and onion. 

    Tip: you can make the salad and dressing in advance, keep separate and dress when ready to serve.

    dressing in a bottle

    Make the dressing. A small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing.

    a green salad in a bowl

    Pour over the salad and serve. 

    The Best Greens for Ensalada Verde

    It's traditional to use butter lettuce or romaine for ensalada verde. That said, you can feel free to use any greens that are accessible to you.

    Here are some tasty alternative leafy greens to try:

    • arugula
    • kale
    • cabbage
    • fresh herbs like cilantro, oregano, & parsley
    • dandelion greens
    • microgreens & sprouts
    • spinach
    a plate of sliced tomatoes and cucumber

    Additions

    Because this salad is so simple, it's extremely customizable.

    Here are some of my favorite additions:

    • Olives & pickled things - black or green olives can add a really tasty bite when paired with the tomatoes and vinaigrette
    • Cheese - adding crumbled feta or cotija cheese adds a fatty creamy note
    • Fruit - toss in some blueberries, sliced strawberries, or whatever fresh fruit you enjoy in salads for a sweet kick

    You can also skip the onions depending on your preference.

    a plate of sliced onion

    Variations

    Part of what makes this salad so fun is how it comes out a little different every time depending on what's in your fridge/pantry.

    Here are some variations I enjoy:

    • Greens - swap out your greens for some crunchy kale and peppery arugula, or add fresh herbs and sprouts to your butter lettuce for variety in your leafy greens
    • Dressing - try using your favorite dressing instead of the vinaigrette for a different flavor profile
    • Veggies - switch out the veggies with roasted beets, avocado (really adds tto the green color palette), or bell peppers!
    a green salad in a bowl

    What to Eat it With

    As mentioned above, ensalada verde is a staple salad recipe in Puerto Rico. You will find it accompanying savory dishes all across the island.

    Here are some of the most common dishes to enjoy it with:

    • Arroz con pollo
    • Arroz con gandules
    • Asopao de polllo
    • Empanadillas
    • Alcapurria
    • Pinchos de pollo
    • Pernil
    • Chicharrones de pollo
    • Picadillo with rice
    • Tostones
    a green salad in a bowl

    Storage

    If you want to make this salad ahead of time, make the salad and dressing in advance, keep separate and dress when ready to serve.

    These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

    Buen provecho,

    the name Salima
    Print

    10 Minute Ensalada Verde

    a green salad in a bowl
    Print Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 1 reviews

    Ensalada verde is a classic Spanish side salad made in just 10 minutes with fresh greens, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette. It's easily customizable and can be found on tables across the Caribbean. 

    • Author: Salima Benkhalti
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    • Category: Salad, Side Dish, Appetizer
    • Method: Raw
    • Cuisine: Puerto Rican, Latin, Spanish
    • Diet: Vegan

    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the Salad:

    • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, rinsed 
    • 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds
    • 2 tomatoes, sliced 
    • ½ small red onion,  sliced thinly 

    For the Dressing: 

    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp pepper
    • 2 tbsp vinegar (white, red wine, or balsamic)
    • 4 tbsp olive oil 

    Instructions

    1. Make the salad. Add the lettuce to a large bowl and top with sliced cucumber, tomato, and onion. 
    2. Make the dressing. A small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing. Pour over the salad and serve. 

    Notes

    Hint: you can make the salad and dressing in advance, keep separate and dress when ready to serve.

    Keywords: Ensalada Verde, Fresh Green Salad

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @salimaskitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #salimaskitchen

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      Comments

    1. Steve

      October 05, 2022 at 9:26 am

      Easy but delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    19 shares