Simple Green Salad is a classic and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It typically consists of a mix of fresh, crisp greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. The greens are washed and torn into bite-sized pieces, then tossed together in a bowl. The salad is dressed with a light vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. The dressing adds a tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the greens. This salad is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a light and healthy meal.
Making a Simple Green Salad
To make a delicious green salad, start with top-notch greens. While I enjoy kale and mixed greens salads, when I want a light, satisfying side salad, I opt for lettuce as the base. Look for lettuces with tender leaves and crunchy stems, avoiding any discolored areas. Butter lettuces like Boston and Bibb are my personal favorites, but leaf or romaine lettuce will also do the trick. Mix and match different varieties for added flavor!
When you’re ready to put the salad together, gently separate the lettuce leaves and give them a thorough wash and dry. To prevent any bruising, using a salad spinner is a great idea (I recommend this one). It’ll quickly help you get the leaves nice and dry!
If you don’t have a salad spinner, lay the washed lettuce on a kitchen towel to dry while you prep the other ingredients. Enjoy your fresh, crispy green salad!
Read Also: Chilli Cheese Corn Toast Recipe
Salad Ingredients
Greens
The greens are the rockstars of the salad! I typically go with mixed greens or chopped Romaine lettuce. Feel free to use kale, arugula, or butter lettuce if that’s what you have on hand!
Tomatoes
For this green salad, I love using cherry or grape tomatoes. If you have an abundance of big tomatoes from your garden, chop them up and add them to the mix during tomato season.
Cucumber
Cucumber slices add a nice, crispy texture. I prefer seedless cucumbers, but any variety will do the trick.
Red Onion
A bit of red onion adds a burst of flavor and color to the salad! If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip this ingredient, but we’re big fans!
Parmesan Cheese
Make sure to use high-quality Parmesan cheese for this salad, not the canned stuff:) You can go with shaved or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, feta, goat, or shredded white cheddar cheese would also be tasty additions!
Instructions
Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel or salad spinner.
Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat.
Serve the salad immediately as a side dish or as a light meal.
Green Salad Serving Tips
When making this delicious green salad with tender lettuces and avocado, it’s best to assemble it right before you plan to enjoy it. However, if you want to get a head start, you can wash and dry the lettuce a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
Roast the nuts ahead of time and keep them at room temperature, loosely covered. The dressing can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This versatile salad makes a perfect side dish for any meal – whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a special occasion, a brunch, or a summer cookout. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes like pasta, pizza, veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. Enjoy!
