Lemon–Olive Oil Green Salad with Capers

By Nancy Kirkiles-Smith, PhD
  

Lemon–Olive Oil Green Salad with Capers

A bright, vibrant salad that celebrates the pure flavor of exceptional extra virgin olive oil.

Sometimes the simplest dishes leave the strongest impression. This crisp green salad relies on a handful of quality ingredients, allowing a premium extra virgin olive oil to take center stage. Peppery greens, briny capers, fresh herbs, and a classic lemon vinaigrette come together in a dish that is equally at home beside grilled fish, roasted meats, or as an elegant opening course.

When using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil like Olio Piro, every ingredient has room to shine. The oil provides richness and depth while the fresh lemon juice adds brightness, creating a dressing that enhances rather than masks the natural flavors of the greens.

  • Prep time: 10 mins
  • Serves: 10–12
  • Author: Carolann Patterson

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • Mixed winter greens (such as arugula, escarole, chicory, or baby kale)
  • 1 red onion or shallot, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
  • Capers, rinsed and lightly crushed
  • Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Simple Lemon Vinaigrette:

  • 3 parts Olio Piro Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 part fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: Whisk together the Olio Piro Extra Virgin Olive Oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until lightly emulsified.
  2. Assemble the Base: Arrange the mixed winter greens in a large serving bowl.
  3. Add Aromatics: Top with the thinly sliced red onion (or shallot), fresh parsley or dill, and the lightly crushed capers.
  4. Dress and Season: Drizzle the lemon-olive oil dressing evenly over the salad. Season with additional flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Toss and Serve Toss gently just before serving to ensure every leaf is lightly coated.

Piro Pro-Tip

This salad is proof that outstanding ingredients require very little intervention. A robust, early-harvest extra virgin olive oil delivers fresh notes of green almond, herbs, and artichoke that elevate every bite. Always dress the salad immediately before serving to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.

Simple. Fresh. Timeless. That's the beauty of cooking with exceptional olive oil.

 

Nancy Kirkiles-Smith, PhD

Nancy Kirkiles-Smith, PhD is the owner of Weekend Kitchen and a research scientist at a biotech start-up in Connecticut. She holds a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry, with a focus on carotenoids and antioxidants, and completed postdoctoral work in Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine.

She is also a Duke-certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, holds a Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) certification, and completed professional plant-based chef training. Her classes reflect her belief that optimal health is closely linked to food and lifestyle, with a focus on healthy, mostly plant-based menus.

Follow her on Instagram: @weekend_kitchen

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