Garden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe (2024)

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Introducing a crunchy Summer Side: Garden Salad with Simple Salad Dressing!

Dive into the essence of summer with a Garden Salad, the epitome of freshness in every bite.

This salad recipe, bursting with the vibrant colors of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, promises a refreshing and crispy salad experience.

Accompanied by a homemade vinaigrette that’s both zesty and light, this dish not only serves as the perfect house salad but also as a delightful summer recipe.

Whether it’s a quick meal for a busy weeknight, a healthy recipe for family meal ideas, or a standout dish for your next potluck, this Mixed Greens Salad, ready under 10 minutes, is versatile and universally loved.

Its fresh salad dressing, a blend of apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and Dijon mustard, adds a tangy twist, making it a restaurant-style salad you can enjoy at home.

Why This Garden Salad Recipe Is a “Must-Try”

This Leafy Green Salad stands out as not only a complete meal but also a low carb salad that fits perfectly into any meal plan, especially during the warmer months.

From its role as a healthy recipe to its status as a potluck salad favorite, here are key reasons to embrace this dish:

Garden Salad Ingredients

Salad:

1 bag of leafy greens: The foundation of this crispy salad, providing a variety of textures and flavors.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
1 cucumber, sliced: Introduces a refreshing crunch.
1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sharp, yet sweet, contrast.

Dressing:

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: The base of the fresh salad dressing, lending a tangy kick.
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Ensures a smooth, rich texture.
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds depth and zing to the dressing.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle spice to the overall profile.

Creating Your Garden Salad

Assembling the Salad:

Mix Greens: In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.

Tips for the Perfect Salad:

Make Ahead: For a how to make ahead garden salad, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: This garden salad can be a complete meal, a low calorie salad for a light lunch, or a complementary summer side to your main dish.
Variations: Feel free to add additional ingredients like nuts, cheese, or fruits to create your own copycat garden salad or seasonal salad.

Storing and Serving Your Garden Salad

Refrigeration:

Short-Term: If not serving immediately, store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Serving:

Versatile: Perfect as a quick meal, easy recipe for dinner, or as a healthy recipe option for meal prep, this garden salad is always ready to impress.
Accompaniments: Enhance this garden salad by pairing it with gluten-free bread for those seeking a completely gluten-free meal.

Why This Classic Green Salad Stands Out

This garden salad recipe is not just a testament to the power of fresh ingredients but also to the ease and joy of creating a nutritious meal that everyone can enjoy.

With its simple salad dressing, it’s an embodiment of a homemade vinaigrette that elevates the entire dish. Ideal as a summer recipe, this garden salad is a testament to what makes a fresh, plant-based meal so appealing.

Whether you’re looking for salad recipe ideas, a quick and healthy addition to your family meal ideas, or a light and zesty dressing to complement your summer side dishes, this garden salad ticks all the boxes, proving itself as an indispensable part of your culinary repertoire.

What to Serve with Garden Salad

Enhance your garden salad by pairing it with a variety of hearty dishes that cater to all tastes.

Here are some perfect companions:

Grilled Chicken Kebabs: Juicy and flavorful, these kebabs add a smoky, protein-rich element to your meal, making it more satisfying and balanced.
Buffalo Chicken Wings: For a spicy kick, buffalo chicken wings offer a bold flavor contrast that complements the crisp freshness of the salad.
Chicken Tacos: Light and versatile, chicken tacos bring a fun and casual aspect to your dining experience, blending beautifully with the salad’s textures and flavors.
Beefaroni: A comforting and hearty choice, beefaroni introduces a rich, tomato-based pasta dish that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the garden salad, creating a complete and fulfilling meal.

Yield: 4 servings

Garden Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Enjoy a refreshing Garden Salad, the ideal summer recipe with crispy leafy greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber. Tossed in a simple, zesty homemade vinaigrette, it's a quick, healthy, low carb side or meal prep choice, ready in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

SALAD:

1bag of leafy greens
1cupcherry, halved
1cucumber, sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

DRESSING:

1tbspapple cider vinegar
3tbspextra virgin olive oil
1/2tspDijon Mustard
1/2tsp salt
1/2tspblack pepper

Instructions

Mix Greens: In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.

Notes

For a how to make ahead garden salad, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 131Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 310mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 1g