Buy the freshest salad greens possible, wash them, dry thoroughly, and store in refrigerator in the vegetable compartment or bag or in a damp towel until ready to serve. Fresh, clean, crisp, tender greens are the basis of a good green salad.

All ingredients should be well drained before they are combined with the dressing, to avoid giving the dressing a watery consistency. Dry greens thoroughly by patting with a towel.

Use a variety of greens. Try shredded cabbage, endive, watercress, and romaine as a change from head or leaf lettuce. Tear lettuce into bite-size pieces instead of cutting. Outer leaves of lettuce should be discarded only when they are bruised.

When mixing salads, toss ingredients gently until mixed. Don't stir vigorously.

Add the dressing to salads at serving time to avoid wilting the greens, or, better still, serve the dressing from a separate bowl. People differ in the amount of dressing they prefer.

The flavor of some salads, especially those containing cooked vegetables or meats, is improved by marinating the ingredients in French dressing. To do this, let foods stand in the dressing in a cool place until they are well seasoned. Drain before serving.