Garden Salad

I always look forward to summer days when my backyard bursts into life with greens and bright vegetables and that’s when I crave a crisp and fresh garden salad more than ever. I remember one afternoon when I walked into the kitchen with a handful of just-picked cucumbers and cherry tomatoes and decided to toss them together with whatever else I had and it turned out to be the most refreshing thing I’d eaten all week.

Since then and every time I’m in a rush or just not in the mood for something heavy I throw together this garden salad and it never disappoints because it’s colorful and crunchy and full of life just like the best days of the season. It’s my go-to for light lunches and dinner sides and it always reminds me that sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that stick with us the longest.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Lettuce – The base of the salad that gives it a refreshing and crisp texture.
• Cherry tomatoes – These little bursts of sweetness bring color and juiciness to every bite.
• Cucumber – Adds a cool crunch that makes the salad feel extra fresh.
• Carrots – A touch of sweetness and color that balances out the greens.
• Red onion – Gives a slight sharpness that lifts the flavor of the entire dish.
• Lemon wedges – Perfect for a zesty finish or light dressing option.
• Bell pepper – For a slight sweetness and a pop of brightness in texture and color.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Cutting board – Ideal surface for prepping all your vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Sharp knife – Helps you slice everything cleanly without bruising delicate greens.
• Large salad bowl – Great for tossing and serving everything without making a mess.
• Vegetable peeler – Makes it easy to shred or peel the carrots finely.
• Tongs or salad servers – For mixing and serving without crushing the ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and prep the vegetables

I start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables under cold water and then I pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to avoid sogginess in the salad.

Step 2: Slice the vegetables

I slice the cucumber into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes and then I thinly slice the red onion and cut the bell pepper into bite-sized strips and finally I shred the carrots.

Step 3: Tear the lettuce

Instead of cutting it I prefer tearing the lettuce into pieces by hand because it helps keep the edges from browning too quickly.

Step 4: Combine everything

In a large bowl I toss together the lettuce and all the sliced vegetables and I make sure everything is evenly mixed but not too tightly packed.

Step 5: Add lemon and serve

Right before serving I squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top and I toss it lightly again and garnish with lemon wedges on top for that extra vibrant touch.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special I recommend adding a handful of toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for some nutty crunch. I also like to occasionally crumble a little feta cheese over the top or drizzle it with a simple homemade vinaigrette of olive oil and lemon juice.

Ways to Serve

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal.

Pile it into a wrap with hummus for a quick lunch idea.

Add a scoop of quinoa or chickpeas for a heartier vegetarian version.

Perfect for summer BBQs or brunch tables as a refreshing side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make garden salad in advance?

Yes and I often prep the veggies a few hours ahead and store them separately and then toss everything together just before serving to keep it fresh.

How long does garden salad last in the fridge?

Garden salad is best eaten the day it’s made but you can keep it for up to 1 day in an airtight container though the lettuce may start to wilt.

What dressing works best for garden salad?

A simple lemon juice and olive oil combination works great but sometimes I use balsamic vinaigrette or even a light yogurt-based dressing for a creamy twist.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this garden salad a try! It’s one of my favorites, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite healthy salad board to keep it handy for any occasion.

Happy Cooking!

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