Name: 10 Minute Ensalada Verde
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, rinsed; 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds; 2 tomatoes, sliced; ½ small red onion, sliced thinly; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp vinegar (white, red wine, or balsamic); 4 tbsp olive oil

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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.

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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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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:

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,