A garden salad is a delightful medley of fresh, crisp vegetables that brings a burst of color and flavor to any meal. This simple yet vibrant dish is a celebration of nature’s bounty, showcasing the beauty and taste of seasonal produce. Whether as a refreshing side or a light main course, a garden salad is a versatile and nutritious addition to any table.
Easy Garden Salad Recipe
An easy garden salad is a refreshing combination of fresh lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, and any other favorite vegetables, tossed with a light vinaigrette dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings and dressings for a personalized twist on this classic dish.
Equipment
- 1 Zwilling Knife Block Set
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Mixing Bowl Set
- 1 Salad spinner
Ingredients
- 4 cups Lettuce or basic salad mix
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 15 thin slices Cucumber
- 15 Cherry tomatoes
- few Croutons
- Salad dressing as per your taste
Instructions
- Lettuce be chopped into bite-sized pieces. After transferring, rinse, and dry in a salad spinner or colander.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and green onions. Dab the dryness.
- Dice the green onion and carrots into thin half-moon shapes.
- Cut tomatoes in half and finely chop the red onion.
- Toss the lettuce, veggies, and tomatoes into a big bowl.
- Put the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or glass jar and stir thoroughly. The ingredients include olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix it in or serve it separately.
Notes
1. Vinegar – This dressing’s standard ratio of vinegar to oil allows you to use any vinegar you like, including but not limited to:
- The vinegar I use the most is apple cider.
- The second most common vinegar is white wine vinegar; use a little extra as it’s gentler.)
- Balsamic
- Sherry vinegar, champagne vinegar, and red wine vinegar
- Simple white vinegar (quite harsh; additional oil may be needed)
- vinegar made from rice wine.
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- Sugar or honey can take the sharp edge off dressings without using more oil.
- Don’t use BOTH, use one!
- Dried or fresh herbs
- Lemon zest
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 204kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 179mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Calcium | 76mg |
| Vitamin A | 4740IU |
| Potassium | 479mg |
How to Make Your Garden Salad More Exciting?
This will make it simpler to pour over your salad and help it soften up a little.
- Add some crunch by adding tortilla pieces, almonds, or crunchy croutons.
- Contrast textures: Combine crunchy bell peppers with smooth ingredients like avocado.
- For added flavor, mix in cooked grains like farro or quinoa.
How to Stop Your Salad from Getting Soggy?
- Dry your greens: Before adding dressing, make sure your lettuce is dry.
- Garnish soon before serving: To maintain the crispness of the food, apply the dressing right before you eat.
- Keep liquid vegetables apart until serving time: Add cucumbers just when you’re ready to eat.