What is "chiffonade"?

Chiffonade is a culinary technique used to finely shred or slice leafy herbs or greens into thin, ribbon-like strips. To chiffonade, stack the leaves on top of each other, roll them tightly into a cylinder, and then slice crosswise into thin strips. This technique is commonly used with herbs like basil, mint, or sage, as well as with leafy greens such as spinach or lettuce. Chiffonade is often used as a garnish or to add texture and flavor to dishes like salads, soups, or pasta.