Mixed salad is a classic side dish that can accompany both meat and fish and which, if prepared well, can turn into a delicious single dish.Don’t forget the trrditional Italian way of serving the meal, from the primo piatto ,secondo piatto with side dish and then dessert.We  were talking about it in a  previus blog about Italian Meal Structure.Probably for this reason that salad is a somewhat mistreated dish: it is always prepared quickly, perhaps  simply with lettuce and tomato.  Yet, if prepared well, mixed salad can be a really tasty dish that allows us to load up on vitamins and mineral salts, which makes us feel light and fit with lots of seasonal vegetables and greens.

INGREDIENTSfor 2 people

 Green Base( 2 or 3 different ones are perfect): 1 handful of : Lettuce(Lattuga)

Romana/Cos

Iceberg

Lamb lettuce (songino/valerianella)

Watercress( crescione)

Radicchio

Radicchio of Castelfranco

Rocket/Arucola( rucola)

Scarola/Escarole

Add

Other vegetables( all what you like or what is available):

Tomatoes

Carrots( tagliate con il temperamatite)

Fennels

Cucumber

Radish

Olive

Chickpeas

Beans

Mais

Seeds or delicate spices( 1 of each):

Pine nuts

Pistachio nuts

Sun flowers seeds

Dried orange /mandarin/lemon powder

Apple (thin slices)

Black olives powder

Chive

Oregano

tarragon

In Italian Cooking we use many herbs and spices,as said in our blog Spices & Herbs in Italian Cusine

PREPARATION

As for the salad, I advise you to always choose 2-3 varieties.I chose songino, rocket and radicchio.Vegetables should always be washed and dried unless they are already washed.Clean the fennel by removing the tough outer leaves and slice itDo the same thing with carrots.This time we used the carrot pencil sharpener

Mix and prepare the dressing

Ingredients for the dressing.

Salt        Pepper         EVOO

Red Wine Vinegar

Or White Wine Vinegar

Or Apple Vinegar

Or Balsamic Vinegar, the simple not the traditional

Or Lemon Juice

Most Traditional Dressing

1 teaspoonful fine salt

3 spoonfuls EVOO

1 tbs. vinegar

1 tsp. salt

freshly-ground pepper

Place the salt, and if you wish, the  pepper Add the vinegar(or lemon juice) and mix well, until the  salt is  completely  dissolved. Add the  oil and dress the salad

This is what we serve next to a meat or fish or cheese dish but it can actually become our entire meal!!!