Best Simple Side Salad Recipe
Description:
This simple side salad is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. It uses basic, everyday ingredients and comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats, pasta, or even on its own for a light bite.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, arugula, and spinach)
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, shredded
1/4 cup sliced radishes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Simple Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prep the Veggies:
Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly.
Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion and radishes.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, add the salad greens.
Top with cucumber, tomatoes, onion, carrot, and radishes.
Toss and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 110 kcal
Protein 1.5 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Sugars 3 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1.2 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 120 mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: What can I add for extra protein?
A: Try adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, boiled eggs, or feta cheese.
Q3: Can I use a store-bought dressing?
A: Absolutely! Use any vinaigrette or light dressing you like.
Q4: How long will it last in the fridge?
A: Without dressing, it can stay fresh for 2–3 days in an airtight container.
Q5: Is it vegan?
A: Yes, if you use maple syrup instead of ho
ney.