Description
A versatile and healthy salad recipe that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or a combination)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cooked protein (grilled chicken, chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, or canned tuna, drained)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded carrots.
- 2. Add the protein: If you’re including protein, add your chosen option to the salad bowl.
- 3. Assemble the salad: If using cheese and seeds, sprinkle them over the salad.
- 4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- 5. Dress and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Notes
Store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Dressed leftovers can be consumed within 1-2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: Approx. 300-450 (depending on protein and optional ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-10g
- Sodium: Approx. 200-400mg (depending on added salt and cheese)
- Fat: Approx. 20-35g (depending on dressing and optional ingredients)
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-20g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-7g
- Protein: Approx. 15-25g (depending on protein)