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Grilled Green Salad with Coffee Vinaigrette

This vibrant grilled green salad offers a sophisticated twist on seasonal vegetarian dining. By lightly charring spring onions, tomatillos and cactus paddles on a griddle pan, you unlock a deep, smoky sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crispness of fresh frisée and watercress. The real star, however, is the innovative coffee vinaigrette, which uses instant espresso to provide an earthy, robust depth that ties the savoury grilled elements together.

Ideal as a standout starter or a light main course, this dish is perfect for those looking to explore authentic Mexican-inspired flavours like nopales and queso fresco. The combination of warm, charred vegetables and a punchy, caffeinated dressing makes it a brilliant conversation starter at any dinner party. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the leftover dressing for a truly satisfying homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Grilled Green Salad with Coffee Vinaigrette

  • 4 spring onions or 8 spring onions, white parts only, spring onions halved lengthwise, quartered if large

  • 4 tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed, quartered

  • 1 large or 2 small nopales (cactus paddles), spikes removed

  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 110g queso fresco

  • 160ml olive oil, divided

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 45ml Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso

  • Vegetable oil (for grill)

  • 3 cups torn frisee

  • 1 cup trimmed watercress

  • 1/2 English hothouse cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup fresh coriander and parsley leaves with tender stems

Combine onions, tomatillos, nopales, garlic, cheese, and 80ml olive oil in a large resealable plastic bag; season with salt and pepper. Seal bag, pressing out air, and toss to coat. Let sit at least 1 hour.

Whisk vinegar, honey, and espresso in a medium bowl until honey and espresso are dissolved. Gradually add remaining 80ml olive oil, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Prepare grill for medium-high heat; lightly oil grates. (Or, heat a grill pan over medium-high.) Remove onions, tomatillos, and nopales from marinade; grill, turning occasionally, until tender and charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool.

Remove cheese from marinade and grill, turning often, until browned on all sides, 8-10 minutes; let cool.

Cut vegetables into bite-size pieces; coarsely chop cheese.

Arrange greens on a platter. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with half of vinaigrette. Top with cucumber, herbs, and grilled vegetables and cheese; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Do Ahead: Vinaigrette can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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