Fresh Garden Salad - Easy and Healthy

Updated on September 30, 2024
Fresh Garden Salad - Easy and Healthy

A fresh, vibrant Garden Salad is a perfect addition to any meal, or a light, satisfying dish on its own. Crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers come together in this easy-to-make salad, finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette. This healthy, versatile dish brings the flavors of a summer garden to your table, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. Customize with your favorite vegetables or add-ons like cheese or croutons for extra flavor.

Servings
4
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
5m
Total Time
15m

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: feta cheese, croutons, sunflower seeds

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the vegetables. Start by washing and drying the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the vegetables according to the ingredient list.

Step 2

Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and carrots. Toss gently to mix.

Step 3

Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 4

Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 5

Serve immediately, garnished with optional toppings like feta cheese, croutons, or sunflower seeds if desired.

Recipe tips

For the best flavor and texture, always use the freshest produce available. Add a little sweetness with honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Add protein such as grilled chicken, boiled eggs, or chickpeas to make it more filling. For a refreshing touch, refrigerate the salad for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories
150
Fats
12g
Carbohydrates
9g
Proteins
2g