A fresh, healthy salad is a fantastic meal option, whether it’s for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. The key is to use a variety of fresh ingredients and a simple, flavorful dressing. Here’s a versatile recipe you can adapt to your taste.
The Classic Green Salad
This is a great base recipe that you can customize with your favorite additions.
Ingredients:
For the Salad Base:
2 small heads of soft lettuce (like butter lettuce, romaine, or a spring mix)
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
1 avocado, thinly sliced
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (or salty feta or goat cheese)
¼ cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts, almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds)
Optional: Other fresh veggies like radishes, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
A pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk or shake together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the lettuce with a few spoonfuls of the vinaigrette. You want the leaves lightly coated, not drowned.
Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced cucumber, avocado, Parmesan cheese, and toasted nuts/seeds over the greens.
Serve: Drizzle with a little more dressing if desired and serve immediately.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of a salad is its versatility. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own perfect bowl.
Protein: Add grilled chicken, salmon, chickpeas, or roasted chickpeas for a more substantial, meal-worthy salad.
Fruit: A sprinkle of dried cranberries, cherries, or fresh berries can add a sweet and tangy element. Sliced apples or pears also work well.
Grains: Toss in cooked quinoa, couscous, or farro to make it a heartier, more filling meal.
More Veggies: Don’t be afraid to add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or broccoli, or raw veggies like bell peppers and red onion.
Different Dressings:
Balsamic Vinaigrette: Swap the lemon juice for balsamic vinegar and add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Creamy Yogurt Dressing: Mix plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, a little garlic, and fresh herbs like dill or chives.
Asian-inspired Dressing: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for a savory and nutty dressing.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!
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