Fresh & Crunchy Green Salad
A green salad is a simple yet refreshing dish that can be served as a light meal, a side dish, or a base for heartier toppings. Packed with crisp lettuce, vibrant vegetables, and a delicious homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. The key to a great green salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and balancing flavors with the right dressing.
⏳ Time Breakdown
PrepTime: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
½ cup avocado, diced (optional)
¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill), chopped
¼ cup nuts or seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds)
½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
1. Wash and dry all vegetables and greens thoroughly.
2. Chop and slice all ingredients as needed.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper.
2. Shake or whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrots, and bell pepper.
2. Add avocado, herbs, nuts/seeds, and cheese (if using).
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately as a side dish, or add protein (grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu) to make it a complete meal.
Notes & Tips
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
A:Yes! Store ingredients separately and toss with dressing before serving.
What are good salad mix-ins?
A:Fruits: Apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or dried cranberries
Proteins: Chickpeas, grilled chicken, shrimp, or boiled eggs.
Crunch: Croutons, toasted nuts, or seeds
How long does the dressing last?
A:The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
How do I make it vegan?
A:Omit the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
This green salad is crisp, refreshing, and easy to customize for any occasion. Perfect for meal prep, a side dish, or a healthy main meal!