There’s something magical about a Salad that’s as fresh and vibrant as a sunny afternoon picnic. This classic green Salad isn’t just a feast for your eyes with its bold colors—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dances on your tongue. Whether you’re craving a crisp, healthy side dish or searching for a canvas to showcase your favorite toppings, this recipe is pure joy in a bowl. Simple enough to toss together on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests, it’s the kind of dish you’ll return to over and over. Ready to discover your new mealtime staple?

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Salad truly stand out is just how simple and essential each ingredient is. Every component adds its own unique pop—crunch, juiciness, creaminess, or color—making every forkful interesting and delicious.

Mixed salad greens: Choose a blend like romaine, arugula, or spinach for the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture.
Cherry tomatoes, halved: These juicy gems add a burst of sweetness and vibrant red color to your Salad.
Cucumber, sliced: Cool, crisp cucumber delivers refreshing crunch in every bite.
Red onion, thinly sliced: A little goes a long way—these bring sharpness and bite without overpowering.
Shredded carrots: For color and tender sweetness, carrots round out the salad beautifully.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, salty touch that melts right into every layer if you choose to include it.
Toasted nuts or seeds (optional): A sprinkle of sunflower seeds or chopped almonds brings a wonderful nutty crunch.
Olive oil: The base of your homemade dressing—smooth, rich, and heart-healthy.
Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar: These tangy acids give your dressing that delightful zing and balance.
Dijon mustard: Essential for emulsifying and infusing the dressing with subtle sharpness.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a hint of sweetness rounds out and softens the flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget to season—these essentials enhance every ingredient’s natural appeal.

How to Make Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Grab a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add your olive oil, vinegar of choice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined—you’re aiming for a creamy, almost glossy look. If you’re shaking it in a jar, go wild and have fun with it. A good dressing ties the Salad together, so taste and adjust the seasoning if you need a little extra zip or sweetness.

Step 2: Combine the Veggies

In your largest salad bowl, toss in all the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, those crisp cucumber slices, delicate red onion rings, and shredded carrots. The goal is to layer colors and textures, so every scoop is as balanced and eye-catching as the last. If anyone peeks over your shoulder, they’ll want to grab a fork right away—it’s that inviting!

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Right before serving, drizzle your freshly whisked dressing evenly over the veggies. Use tongs or two big spoons to toss everything gently—just enough to coat the leaves and vegetables without bruising. The key is lightness, so every bite sparkles with flavor but the greens stay crisp and lively.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Now for the fun part! Sprinkle your Salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese, and add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds on top if you like. These toppings add layers of creaminess and crunch, transforming your dish from simple to completely irresistible. Serve immediately so the textures stay at their very best.

How to Serve Salad

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh herbs—think snipped chives, basil, or dill—can take your Salad from homey to gourmet in seconds. A pinch of cracked black pepper or a shaving of lemon zest just before serving gives it that extra something special. These finishing touches don’t just look beautiful, they add a bit of bright, aromatic flavor that brings all the ingredients together.

Side Dishes

This Salad pairs beautifully with just about anything. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light meal, or with a hearty soup and rustic bread for easy comfort food. If you’re hosting, it’s the perfect partner to cheesy casseroles or your favorite picnic fare, cutting through richness with refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating the Salad in individual bowls for a more elegant touch at dinner parties, or pile everything onto a large, flat platter where the colors and textures can really shine. For an extra pop, add edible flowers or a scatter of berries on top. You can even serve the components layered in a mason jar for a portable, picnic-ready option that’s as cute as it is practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Salad, pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. To keep the greens from wilting, try storing the dressing separately and only tossing when you’re ready to eat. Most of the veggies hold up well for a day or two, but for freshest taste and crunch, enjoy sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Sadly, this Salad is not a candidate for the freezer—fresh greens and most veggies lose their texture and flavor after thawing. If you find yourself with extra dressing, that can be poured into a jar and frozen for next time, but the Salad itself is always best made fresh.

Reheating

No need to reheat here! This is a no-cook, perfectly chilled Salad meant to be enjoyed as is. If you want a warm twist, try serving it with grilled toppings or tossing just-toasted nuts on at the last minute for a touch of warmth.

FAQs

Can I make this Salad vegan?

Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or swap in a vegan cheese alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The flavors and textures are still fantastic—completely plant-based and satisfying.

What types of greens are best for this Salad?

Mixed salad greens are ideal for variety—think baby spinach, arugula, and romaine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with whatever’s fresh or available at the market; even a handful of tender kale or butter lettuce works beautifully.

How can I make this Salad a main dish?

Just add protein! Top your Salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, crispy tofu, or even a scoop of cooked quinoa or beans. This turns your simple Salad into a filling, balanced meal that’s anything but boring.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

No worries—balsamic vinegar brings a lovely sweetness to the dressing, or you could use apple cider vinegar for a different twist. Adjust the amount to taste, as each vinegar has its own unique punch.

Can I add other veggies or toppings?

Of course! This Salad is a blank canvas—avocado slices, roasted beets, sliced radishes, or even some juicy orange segments are all fantastic add-ins. Follow your cravings and make it your own.

Final Thoughts

This easy, colorful Salad proves that the best things in the kitchen are often the simplest. If you’re looking to freshen up any meal or want a quick, healthy side that always impresses, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. Grab your favorite bowl and taste the crunch and brightness for yourself—you’ll wonder how you lived without it!

Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious mixed green salad recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or light main course. This salad is packed with fresh veggies and topped with a flavorful homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Green Salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, spinach, or arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (optional)

Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with the dressing just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Finish and Serve: Top with crumbled cheese and toasted nuts or seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize with any fresh veggies or toppings you love!
This salad is great as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a light main course.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American