Garden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe

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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:

• Quick and Easy: A 10-minute meal that’s both quick to assemble and satisfying.
• Versatile: Ideal for meal prep or as a vegetarian side dish, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to any table.
• Nutritious: A low calorie salad that doesn’t compromise on flavor, offering a guilt-free, plant-based meal option.
• Customizable: While perfect as is, this garden salad invites you to add or substitute ingredients, making it a flexible recipe for all seasons.

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:

1. Mix Greens: In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Prepare Dressing: Whisk together the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
3. 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.

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