The Best Salad You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101

Professional chef Lish Steiling helps you unlock the secret to making a restaurant-quality mixed greens salad at home. Learn the techniques necessary to raise your salad game to "where did you get this?" levels of goodness.
Producer: Mel Ibarra
Director: Gunsel Pehlivan
Talent: Lish Steiling
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Boris Khaykin
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Culinary Producer: Denise Ginley
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Culinary Researcher and Recipe Editor: Vivian Jao
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Tim Colao
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Cam Op: Jeremy Harris
Audio: Michael Guggino
Production Assistant: Justine Ramirez
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Diego Rentsch
Graphics Supervisor: Ross Rackin
Graphics, Animation, VFX: Léa Kichler
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[@masoodrazaq]

Chef Lish is a great explainer, demonstrator and has a wonderful upbeat personality. Always a joy to watch her videos.

[@WeirdHousePlants]

I second this.

[@Aya_sharon]

I third this.

[@spilledcoffeeandbeans]

I fourth this.

[@margaretspielman5347]

I fifth this

[@m00sewhisperer]

I don't care for salad, but I would have eaten that. Not only did it look so good (like Lish said, you eat with your eyes first), Lish's excitement when she makes and tries anything makes the dish that much more appealing.

[@fedorin1234]

Salad looks good as salad to eat or as pile of something?

[@mariomene2051]

I made it and it tastes even better than it looks.

[@chelseathomas6739]

This salad dressing has completely changed this pregnant ladies life 😍😍😍😍 I followed all the tips and made just a plain salad (no blue cheese for me yet until baby is here) but wow this is amazing. Thank you SO MUCH!!

[@ShinjiSixteen]

I think Lish is my favorite chef on this channel. Just wonderful personality and passion while still being incredibly approachable

[@disideratum]

She's so awesome I'd watch her make a PB&J

[@coloradopav]

my therapist told me to watch more of these videos. relaxing.

[@samalech-ei8qm]

Love Chef Lish! Such a calming voice and beautiful presence 💚

[@Fairland3]

Thank you! ❤ I love your presentation, your love of food is so appreciated! That having a simple scrumptious meal doesn’t have to be expensive. ❤

[@wahn10]

Fabulous salad recipe. And Chef Lish has the most beautiful knife technique. I could watch an entire video of her just dicing onions and shallots.

[@pehhii]

Solid greens, toasted almonds and most of all BLUE CHEESE. I'm sold. Chef Lish just nailed it.

[@carlajones2169]

Lish, I’m so grateful for your video! I’m not a chef, I just cook a lot and have an appreciation for tasty and healthy dishes. I made this dressing using avocado oil and promise it taste like I was in a five star restaurant! Hands down the best vinaigrette I’ve ever made! Now I have to have a dinner party so I can spread the love!

[@wheniamhome]

love this!!! i wish you could do more, please. more salads. you inspired me with this salad and the dressing.

[@ginorisbaber7084]

Yum yum. Got to prepare this now!!!!! Beautiful. Thank you.

[@gabriel-]

This chef has a great energy

[@recluseren]

Agreed!!

[@Blue-xk8vq]

Yes :)

[@RockeyToes]

Watching Chef Lish compose this dish made this non-salad person love greens. The combination of crunch, creamy/briny blue cheese, and acidity of the dressing was perfection! I am happily eating this salad a few times a week. I love serving it along with Buckwheat Galettes for a quick weeknight dinner. Satisfying and comes together quickly!

[@christinenguyen2530]

Beautiful & looks delicious. Thank you!

[@canguryan]

When I was learning French at university almost two decades ago now, this dressing was the first culinary secret our professor shared with us. Although it's hardly a secret to the French, as I've seen used in restaurants and family kitchens throughout the country. Very authentic and just delicious.

[@murielleleblanc4377]

C’est ci bon je vais La faire

[@murielleleblanc4377]

I had it 6 times now

[@chriscatton705]

made this salad and it's perfect. the attention to detail is what makes people say "why is this salad so good? Can I have some more?" it's perfect. I added thinly sliced purple onion.

[@BobMinelli]

Lish Steiling ROCKS! Thanks for taking the time. Now, I'll feel much more fulfilled when i buy the proper greens and whatnot. Looking forward to trying that dressing. THANK YOU Lish! 🌱🍅

[@poochflexlore5916]

She should do a whole series on making elevated salads. Caesar, Italian, and poppy seed…

[@Sbannmarie298]

Yes yes and yes!

[@outercrest]

Yes, she’s adorable! I would watch them all

[@jenniferharris-ux5vx]

Great idea! I love salads.

[@Cataba4]

Absolutely awesome - thank you!

[@AngryWindmill]

Honestly this was super easy and simple, if you skip the more "fancy' stuff like the champagne and the blue cheese and the different kinds of greens it's just lettuce, oil, vinegar, salt and some onion, nothing that you won't find in any semi competent pantry. It's not about the ingredients, it's the technique that made this salad a bit more interesting and less sad than a normal home made salad, I'm definitely going to try this!

[@user-wx5nj7re6z]

I love her energy. She loves what she does and you can tell. 💗💗

[@KR-mx4nt]

Not to be weird but can we please have more salad videos with Lish (yes im completely serious, i genuinely loved this, it was delightful and lovely, looks amazing, and i need it because i eat salad 1-2 times every single day)?!!

[@cwg73160]

Are you asking if you eat salad 1-2 times a day? Why would you ask strangers about your eating habits?

[@KR-mx4nt]

@@cwg73160 of course not, and i wouldn't; i was asking for more salad recipes, as i eat salad twice a day and learning more great recipes like this one in the video would be lovely and helpful to enhance the ones i make. The question mark was after the parentheses, indicating it belongs to the question before the parentheses that was me asking for more salad recipes from Lish.

[@KR-mx4nt]

@@cwg73160 The question mark was after the parentheses, indicating it belongs to the question before the parentheses that was me asking for more salad recipes from Lish.

[@cwg73160]

@@KR-mx4nt Why is the comment in the parentheses longer than the comment itself? And “not to be weird”? What’s weird about requesting more food videos on a food channel. Please read your comments out loud before posting them.

[@KR-mx4nt]

@@cwg73160 There's nothing wrong with the comment in the parentheses being longer than the main question/comment; this is just a casual forum and not formal. I did read it aloud, and that's what felt right for me to say. I said "not to be weird," because it's just something i say sometimes if it feels right in a casual, kidding-around way. Nothing i said was harmful, toxic, or mean, let's let everyone be themselves as long as it's cordial and in keeping with maintaining a safe space under these nice videos. Im not going to read anymore of your comments, this isn't healthy.

[@imracer05]

This was such a great video! I’m looking forward to more of this series!!

[@wonhome2711]

One of the best instructors on Epicurious.

[@Girlyfish66]

This is a blue print for a million salads! Greens, cheese and a salty crunchy topping. Personally I'd add some fruit or some veggies. My favorite simple salad dressing is a bit of fresh grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oil, and salt and pepper. Depending on the season I'll change it up. Add shallots or chives. Make it a bit sweet. Add fresh minced herbs. Add spicy Aleppo pepper or cayenne. Substitute vinegar or a different citrus juice. The possibilities are endless. Once you start making your own dressing you'll never go back to bottled.

[@delightschwartz2155]

Maybe some pepitas, grape tomatoes and julienned beets. Yummy...

[@elainemorris4806]

Thank you for sharing this great video!

[@kaiju_k5042]

I need to use mixed salad greens more, thanks for a nice recipe! Looks delish.

[@tmackie1694]

These Lish videos are superb!

[@anitaoconnell3611]

That looks so delicious. I’m making that tomorrow. Great video.

[@kathyunderhill2853]

You are awesome. I hadn't thought about creating actual layers. Although I add many items, it's usually a horizontal salad. Thanks a bunch!!!

[@catherinesmitko]

Lish! You’re awesome and inspiring!

[@AQuickBite]

Love the endives for garnish. I describe them to friends as "Lettuce, if it was a model"

[@rjsmind]

I am on a Chef Steiling binge watch and I dont intend to stop any time soon

[@Blitzkrieg1976]

Love you, Lish!❤️

[@Silenceisconsent]

Made my mouth water and reminded me of Olive Garden salad. So good 😊

[@armeeneshroff7908]

What a beautiful yummy dish!! Bravo🎉

[@jeaniechampagne8831]

Your video is delightful. You really love food and food preparation, so do I!!

[@giggly117]

Lish is the best! I made her roast chicken recipe and wow. It was amazing i trust her reciepes to be delicious

[@lindahrushanyk83]

Thank you Chef Lish! I love finding new tips that help with everyday foods and presentations!

[@jasonfallon4968]

Breath of fresh air young lady.

[@HoneyHouseLane]

Fantastic recipe! Really good tip on the shallot rinsing. Killer delicious. I noticed no pepper was added so I omitted as well. This will be my go to dressing. Thank you 💐

[@TPark-rf3lt]

Chef Lish! always a good video! 😀🥗

[@McCulleyJr]

Looks delicious and good tutorial.

[@Abdullah-oe2xv]

One of the best Chef Lish

[@yeseniavillarreal2172]

I love her passion for food. 💞💝💖💗

[@joyaghosh2940]

So similar to the salad that we make at home, one can add some fruits too in this, like grapes or green apple. It gives a lovely burst of sweetness

[@mikeh2520]

Fascinating! I never knew I was supposed to rinse my shallots. I've used shallots so many times without the rinse. The next time I use them my food will be better. Thanks!

[@aclonymous]

please don't

[@mikeh2520]

@@aclonymous Explain!

[@cremebrulee4759]

This looks delicious and I especially like that you put cheese and nuts in the center as well as on the top. Too many salads are not made that way and by the time you get down into the salad, none of the extra tasty things are left.

[@nirmalakutty9416]

You make us too happy - great demonstration of bowl of green salad

[@jeannemuller7625]

Beautiful salad. Did you wash the lettuce? It was all so pretty and dry. How do you wash whole heads of lettuce? Thanks

[@m.5748]

Absolutely Delightful Video! We enjoyed her Happy and Entertaining Video on KZbin, making Restaurant-style Salads at home !🙂

[@julieross546]

This was GREAT!

[@markwoldin162]

This is perfect.

[@leeannoneal4847]

Wow, this looks so, so delicious!

[@minhasadventuresitaly]

beautiful recipe 👌👍

[@seaweedsnacks]

Would love to see instructions on how Lish washes and prepares her greens to make a salad.

[@giovanna722]

Yes, I was hoping we'd see that.

[@MTMF.london]

Um, in plenty of clean water, then drain them in a sieve or use a salad spinner.

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

I love champagne vinegar as well, or white balsamic in a pinch; great recipe! 😋 ❤ Fun fact, that’s pronounced on deev, the endive pronounced in dive is a curly green usually found in mixed salads. I just learned that and had to share lol 😂

[@user-oh2ye3mc8q]

This is fabulous. Love watching her videos. ?: is there a way to print the recipe?

[@lysanderperera6631]

Chef Lish gave me a clear explanation on how to make a restaurant quality mixed greens salad by giving all the tips that is necessary to succeed. I believe this will be a valuable asset to me because I am currently going to be working as a pantry cook at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel Sacramento.

[@jolenelutyck1422]

I would love that! I love olives in my salad

[@romaineknepp6620]

Looks wonderful.

[@rhettdownen6873]

Everything they do looks de Lish! 😊

[@venabre]

To me the secret to a great salad comes from making sure you have 3 elements: something fatty, something crunchy and some source of protein. Doesn't have to be 3 individual ingredients, you can just toss some almonds if you want and call it a day, but when all 3 factors combine they elevate salads

[@NMN_CP]

you don't have to have something crunchy in every salad.

[@jessica5846]

So helpful!

[@Ko1234567890S]

Adequately salting salad makes such a difference! I like a 3:1 oil: vinegar ratio but other than that this looks amazing

[@sweetstufff]

Great demonstration! Do you need to wash the greens before use? Do you dry them after washing to get the nice crisp, non soggy greens?

[@mariomene2051]

Made this. Very good. Need more dressing recipes from this Chef. Too many dressings are boring and I want to eat more salad.

[@nicolenew1708]

AMAZING

[@guadalupemieryteran106]

Great love it, thank you

[@carolmacrini7757]

I would have liked tips about how restaurants wash and store greens. The salads I make at home are always too wet, but drying greens thoroughly can cause bruising.

[@giovanna722]

That'd be great!

[@cactustactics]

Have you tried a salad spinner? You should be able to get most of the water out without the leaves getting too smooshed

[@catherineleon8221]

Yes! Agree

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

Love it!

[@Faith-lg6qs]

You make me smile 😊

[@pritiruparelia2080]

Thank you for the recipe and the tips. I would find this dressing a little too tart/sour. Would it be ok to add a sweetner like maple syrup or honey?

[@bahriyusuf1171]

Omg I love that salad 🥗😍

[@santropixie5140]

Please tell us how restaurants wash the greens without making them soggy or full of excess water.

[@MTMF.london]

Use a salad spinner.

[@SpecialSalads]

Looks so beautiful

[@marykelley5182]

It looks delish.

[@dzarna]

Great video! Very clear and informative. Makes making a salad seem easy and fun. Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@shopwithaaron]

yum!!! thx

[@Summer-zv1tq]

I love salads! I would probably add a chopped hard-boiled egg. And maybe some avocado. I'm definitely going to plant different Greens in my garden this season. Delicious 😋

[@micah1754]

Same here.. and I'd probably go for some hot smoked salmon too to make it more substantial

[@dianahernandez1016]

Thank you 😊

[@ahumpage]

An excellent presentation, Thanks Chef. Love the inclusion of shallots; not used enough in American cooking. But: What does this salad taste of? Salt. Gobs in the dressing, more on the greens then we use multi layers of Danish Blue? What happened to letting the flavour of the greens shine?

[@michelemoussaoui8135]

How do you wash and dry the greens?

[@karencristobal4999]

Ok. Life changed. Or lunches changed anyway! Ty❤❤❤

[@jenjenirish]

Any tips on taking a salad in your lunch? I either have a bunch of tiny containers of all the toppings or a soggy salad, unless I make a kale salad.

[@TheLochs]

I'm a typical meat and potatoes guy, but I love a good salad and this is making me want one. Look great. Yum!

[@vhaniemercadovlog3678]

Thank u for sharing

[@pattihm4120]

Wow amazing 👏👏

[@TheMargearet]

OMG where did you get your cute shirt?!?! Great recipe, thank you!!!

[@richardsimms251]

Wonderful

[@lisaroy551]

LOVED this....you are spot on about the shallots. I had never rinsed nor dried and this is HUGE! I added a dollop of dijon and I used a stick blender..... and it emulsified for days. I also added a bit of sugar; a balance to the vinegars I used. EXCELLENT for the third day in a row....

[@mamasnoopy4692]

Thanks!

[@khanacookingsn989]

Very very nice recipe

[@MrSparkula]

Lish is awesome!

[@Kelleena1on1]

Hello what brand of strainer is this your using , please thank u :-)

[@cremebrulee4759]

I have to ask if you washed the greens, because it doesn't look like you did. You took the leaves right off of the bunch and in the salad without rinsing them at all. Isn't washing salad greens necessary?

[@dicknoseturdwaffle5305]

This chef was so pleasant to watch, she seemed so happy and upbeat the entire time!

[@sandysaurus1010]

I’ve never cared so much about lettuce 😊 great video!