Description
A fresh and colorful garden salad packed with crisp vegetables and a simple homemade dressing, perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- For the Garden Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, butter lettuce, baby spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced or diced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced thin
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup radishes, thinly sliced
- ½ cup croutons (optional)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ avocado, sliced or diced
- ¼ cup black or green olives
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or parmesan)
- ¼ cup chickpeas or beans
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or slivered almonds
- Hard-boiled egg, sliced
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Wash and prep all vegetables by rinsing under cold water, drying היט, and chopping as desired
2. Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined
3. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed, then set aside
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, onion, and radishes
5. Toss gently to mix all vegetables evenly
6. Add optional toppings like avocado, cheese, seeds, olives, croutons, chickpeas, or sliced eggs
7. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving
8. Toss lightly to coat everything evenly
9. Serve immediately and garnish with extra toppings or a squeeze of lemon if desired
Notes
Use a salad spinner to keep greens crisp and prevent sogginess
Add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness
Customize with seasonal vegetables or proteins for variety
Store dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg