Venturing out into the world of greens

There are hundreds of lettuces and salad greens, in addition to the standard lettuces like iceberg, romaine and spinach. Many of these greens are sold in grocery stores, farmers markets and gourmet-food stores. Most are also cultivated easily, so if you have the space, you might try growing your own specialty mixes of different plants and varieties.

BUTTERHEAD LETTUCES:The most common in this group are Bibb and Boston. The leaves form a head but are loosely packed around a small center core. Butterhead lettuces have soft, delicate leaves that nearly melt in your mouth and work very well with vinaigrettes and light dressings.

LEAF LETTUCES: These lettuces often have crinkled leaves that do not form a head. Some common types are green leaf, red leaf and Lollo Rosa. Because leaf lettuces are so beautifully colored, they add interest and unique texture to a green salad. Best served with light dressings and vinaigrettes.

CHICORIES: This group of greens that includes endive, escarole and radicchio has a strong, slightly bitter taste. I'm not sure these will show up in my shopping cart anytime soon, but I'm trying to keep an open mind. Chicories work best when mixed with other strongly flavored ingredients like bleu cheese, citrus fruits, nuts and heavy dressings. They also brighten the flavor when mixed with butterhead and leaf lettuces, which tone down the flavor.

HERBS: Herbs can play a starring role in a green salad. Arugula, sorrel, watercress, basil, chervil and parsley -- to name a few -- jazz up salads with their unique flavors and beautiful colors

MUSTARD GREENS: When using mustard greens in a salad, select only the very young leaves. More mature leaves are going to give you a hot and zesty surprise. Try combining mustard greens with another, more mild green, like red leaf or Bibb lettuce, and then drizzle with a lemony, garlic-flavored vinaigrette.

MESCLUN AND GOURMET SALAD MIXES: Premade mixes that contain various types of baby lettuces and greens are certainly convenient. One of the advantages of buying a mix is that you get a lot of flavor in a small package and a variety of greens you might not otherwise consider. Most mixes contain at least three different varieties and some contain upwards of eight. They're great on their own with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing.