Description
Ensalada Verde, or “green salad,” is a simple yet vibrant dish popular across the Dominican Republic and Latin America. This refreshing salad combines crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tangy vinaigrette to create a versatile side dish that complements any meal. Perfect for casual lunches or festive gatherings, it’s a healthy, flavorful way to celebrate Caribbean ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced or sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (to prevent avocado browning, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Lettuce:
- Tear or chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.
Slice the Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion for even distribution.
Prepare the Avocado:
- Dice or slice the avocado just before assembling the salad. Optionally, toss it in lime juice to prevent browning.
Make the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
- Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl. Layer cucumber slices and red onion on top. Gently add the avocado.
Dress and Toss:
- Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Toss gently with tongs to combine, taking care not to bruise the avocado.
Serve Immediately:
- Serve fresh as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
Variations:
- Add cherry tomatoes or diced mango for sweetness.
- Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
- Substitute spinach, kale, or arugula for a different texture and flavor.
Tips for Freshness:
- Submerge lettuce in ice water for 10 minutes before drying to enhance crispness.
- Assemble just before serving to maintain the salad’s texture.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve alongside Dominican dishes like arroz con pollo, tostones, or pollo guisado for a complete Caribbean meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Cuisine: Caribbean / Dominican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g