I currently use Xubuntu and was considering installing/trying GNOME Shell or Cinnamon by installing their respective metapackage. However, doing so would result in a massive number of dependencies being installed which would be almost impossible to remove individually at a later date if I decided I didn't like it. I wonder, therefore, if there is a way that I can track which packages Synaptic automatically downloads as part of the process and create a script of some sort to remove them all as well. I could then rest assured that if I don't like any of my new desktop environments, I can remove them in full without leaving a load of other applications and libraries lying around.

Thankyou for any help! :)