A salad can be as simple as greens tossed with a vinaigrette and served as a first course, or it can become a main course with the addition of cheese, nuts, and grilled chicken, fish, or meat. Find the freshest lettuces at your local farmers' market.

In Season: Spring lettuces such as arugula, Bibb lettuce, Boston lettuce, mache, and mesclun are available year-round but thrive in the cooler weather of spring and fall.

What to Look For: Leaves should be bright and fresh looking. When shopping for any kind of lettuce, a general rule of thumb is to choose those that are crisp and free of blemishes.

How to Store: Lettuce should be washed and either drained completely or blotted with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Refrigerate washed-and-dried greens in an airtight plastic bag for three to five days (with the exception of arugula, which is very perishable and should be tightly wrapped in a plastic bag and refrigerated for no more than two days).