Building blocks of a perfect salad Greens: Every salad starts with a base of leafy greens, but there are lots of options out there! Light green lettuces like romaine or iceberg have the mildest flavor. Darker greens like spinach and kale are more nutrient dense, and have a stronger (sometimes bitter) flavor. “Spring” or “baby” greens are darker greens that are picked when the plant is young, so they have a milder flavor. Try adding shredded cabbage or carrots to your greens for a little crunch, or arugula for a peppery taste. Vegetables: Carrots, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, broccoli