When you think of French cuisine, rich pastries, creamy sauces, and fine wines may come to mind. But salads hold a very special place in the French heart — not just as a side dish, but often as a main course, full of colour, flavour, and elegance.
Salads in French Life
In France, a salad isn’t just some greens thrown together. It’s a thoughtful balance of textures and tastes — crisp lettuces, tender vegetables, sometimes meats, cheeses, or fish — always dressed simply but beautifully. A good salad can be a light starter, a hearty meal, or even the perfect companion to a cheese platter.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours
The secret to a great French salad lies in the quality of the ingredients: fresh produce, a good vinaigrette, and often a little extra touch — like a slice of goat’s cheese, a handful of walnuts, or a perfectly poached egg.
Recipe: Classic French Salad – Salade Lyonnaise
This traditional salad from Lyon is a perfect example of French salad mastery: simple, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients (serves 2):
• 100g frisée lettuce (or any curly, slightly bitter leaf)
• 100g lardons (small pieces of bacon)
• 2 fresh eggs
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Set aside.
2. Cook the lardons: In a frying pan, cook the lardons over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
3. Poach the eggs: Bring a small pan of water to a gentle simmer. Add the white wine vinegar. Crack one egg into a cup, then slide it into the water. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the white is set but the yolk remains soft. Repeat with the second egg.
4. Assemble the salad: Toss the frisée with the vinaigrette and arrange on two plates. Scatter the warm lardons over the top. Place a poached egg carefully in the centre of each salad.
5. Serve immediately: A final grind of black pepper, and it’s ready to enjoy!
A good French salad is about more than just eating well — it’s about celebrating freshness, balance, and simple pleasures. Whether as a starter or a meal in itself, a proper French salad always leaves you satisfied, but never heavy.
