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french salad

Classic French Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

A light, elegant French salad featuring crisp mixed greens, radicchio, carrots, creamy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, all dressed in a traditional Dijon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: French
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups mixed greens (mesclun, butter lettuce, frisée) washed and dried thoroughly
  • 1 cup radicchio thinly sliced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and shaved into ribbons
  • 1/3 cup goat cheese crumbled
  • 1/3 cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped (tarragon and chives)
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 small shallot finely minced (optional)
For the French Vinaigrette
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar optional
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil high quality
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt preferably fleur de sel
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small whisk
  • Skillet for toasting nuts
  • Salad servers

Method
 

  1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, tossing occasionally. Allow to cool completely before chopping.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar (if using), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  4. In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, radicchio, shaved carrots, radishes (if using), and shallot (if using).
  5. Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are lightly coated.
  6. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and fresh herbs over the dressed salad.
  7. Serve immediately on chilled plates for the most authentic French dining experience.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature except for the greens, which should be cool and crisp.
  • Traditional French salads are dressed very lightly - aim for just enough vinaigrette to coat the leaves without pooling in the bottom of the bowl.
  • If you can't find good radicchio, substitute with Belgian endive for a similar pleasant bitterness.