Types of Lettuce and Salad Greens

Salad Greens are one category of vegetables that everyone has heard of, but rarely understand. When you think of a salad do you simply think of a bowl with some chopped up iceberg or green leaf lettuce? Yeah, I thought that way too until I learned about how many different salad greens exist.

Here I am going to list out 24, but don’t let that list fool you, there are plenty more when you consider all of the microgreens and sprouts that can be added. If you are interested in becoming a salad greens connoisseur, familiarize yourself with the following greens. As you look over this list you will notice some types have additional names, or sub groupings they are known by listed in parenthesis.

Types of Salad Greens:

• Arugula
• Batavia (French Crisp, Summer Crisp)
• Belgian Endive
• Bok Choy
• Butter Lettuce (Bib, Boston)
• Celtuce
• Chrysanthemum Greens
• Dandelion Greens (Chicory)
• Escarole
• Frisee (Curly Endive)
• Iceberg Lettuce
• Lamb's Lettuce (Mache, Corn Salad)

• Little Gems
• Loose Leaf
• Mesclun (Spring Mix)
• Mignonette
• Mustard Greens (Mizuna)
• Oak Leaf
• Purslane
• Radichio
• Romaine Lettuce
• Spinach
• Tatsoi
• Watercress

Salad Greens have long been popular for their nutrient density and health benefits. Most greens are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water making them greatly beneficial to your digestive and cardiovascular health.

Just as these greens physically look different, they also contain different combinations of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, water, etc. Generally those with darker leaves are more nutrient rich than those with a lighter coloration. Either way, these greens are sure to deliver a tasty dose of flavor and texture to spice up your regular salad routine.