Ingredients
– 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, or leaf lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
– ½ red onion, thinly sliced
– ¼ cup olives (black or green), pitted and halved
– ½ cup shredded carrots
– ¼ cup feta cheese or shredded cheese (optional)
– ¼ cup sunflower seeds or nuts (optional)
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Making Easy Garden Salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to create a delicious and colorful dish:
1. Prepare the Greens: Rinse the mixed greens under cold water. Shake off excess water and place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and shredded carrots to the bowl with the greens.
4. Add Cheese and Nuts: If desired, sprinkle feta cheese or shredded cheese over the top. Add sunflower seeds or nuts for extra crunch.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well combined.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Easy Garden Salad right away for the best flavor and freshness.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Offer generous portions, but encourage guests to return for seconds. Smaller initial servings help prevent waste.
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: Make it a meal by topping the salad with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for added protein.