If you’re after a refreshingly crisp, quick-to-make, and incredibly versatile dish, you can’t go wrong with this Simple Green Salad. Its vibrant medley of fresh greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers is tossed in a lively homemade dressing that’s ready in minutes. This salad brings together everything you love about a classic mixed greens salad — all in one bowl. Whether you’re rounding out a meal, want something that celebrates seasonal produce, or need a reliable go-to, this is the salad you’ll crave again and again.

Simple Green Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient for the Simple Green Salad has been chosen for maximum freshness and color, turning humble veggies into a seriously satisfying dish. The beauty is how every single item, even in small amounts, punches above its weight in flavor and texture!

Mixed salad greens (6 cups): The perfect foundation for your Simple Green Salad, combining romaine, arugula, spinach, or any of your favorites for a blanket of vibrant flavor and crunch.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursting with juiciness and a pop of sweet acidity in every bite.
Cucumber (1/2, sliced): Adds fresh, cooling contrast and lovely crunch.
Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Offers a hit of sharp flavor and beautiful color to balance the salad.
Shredded carrots (1/4 cup): A touch of natural sweetness and brilliant orange color for visual appeal.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): The luscious base of the dressing, adding richness without overwhelming the veggies.
Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brightens up the salad and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Helps the dressing emulsify and packs a subtle, peppery warmth.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the acidity of the vinegar and mustard, rounding out the dressing.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Simple Green Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by washing and thoroughly drying the greens, tomatoes, and cucumber. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and shred your carrots (or use store-bought pre-shredded for extra convenience). Having everything cut to bite-size pieces ensures every forkful of your Simple Green Salad is balanced and satisfying!

Step 2: Gather Your Greens

In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Toss them gently with clean hands or salad tongs to distribute all that color and crunch. This step sets the foundation for your salad, so don’t be afraid to admire the rainbow before you move on!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing looks slightly thickened and emulsified. That’s when you know every bite of the Simple Green Salad will be delightfully sharp and smooth.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing evenly over the greens just before serving. Toss gently—you don’t want to bruise those beautiful leaves! Make sure everything gets coated: the lettuce and veggies should glisten, but not drown. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Transfer the tossed Simple Green Salad to plates or a serving bowl and take it straight to the table. The flavors and textures are at their best when the salad is enjoyed right away. Watch it disappear!

How to Serve Simple Green Salad

Garnishes

Take your Simple Green Salad up a notch by adding crumbled feta, creamy avocado slices, or a handful of toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pepitas. These finishing touches add extra flavor, crunch, and a bit of gourmet flair that everyone appreciates.

Side Dishes

This salad is a team player! It’s the ideal companion for grilled chicken, fresh fish, pasta, or a hearty soup. The Simple Green Salad’s light and refreshing vibe makes it a perfect palate cleanser and side for nearly any main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad on a rustic platter for a family-style meal or building individual layered jars for picnics and lunches on-the-go. For special gatherings, serve in chilled bowls or cups for a cool, crisp bite every time. Play with colorful bowls to make your Simple Green Salad the instant star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Simple Green Salad, store undressed salad and extra dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The veggies will keep crisp for up to 2 days, though the greens are best enjoyed fresh. If already tossed, enjoy within a few hours to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze Simple Green Salad, as the delicate greens and fresh veggies will lose their crispness and turn watery after thawing. If you’re looking for make-ahead options, prep the veggies in advance and assemble just before serving.

Reheating

No reheating required (or recommended) for this fresh salad! To revive crispness, simply toss refrigerated greens with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving, or add a few fresh leaves to perk it up.

FAQs

Can I make this Simple Green Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all your veggies and make the dressing a day in advance—just keep the dressing and greens separate until right before serving to maintain that vibrant crunch.

What substitutions can I make if I’m out of cherry tomatoes?

Grape tomatoes, diced Roma, or even strips of sweet bell pepper work wonderfully in place of cherry tomatoes, adding color and freshness to your Simple Green Salad.

How do I keep the greens from going soggy?

The trick is to keep your greens dry and add the dressing just before you’re ready to serve. Spin or pat the leaves dry after washing, and only toss with dressing at the last minute.

Is this salad vegan?

The only non-vegan ingredient in this Simple Green Salad is honey. You can easily swap in maple syrup or agave for a completely plant-based meal!

Are there protein options I can add to make it a full meal?

You bet! Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, beans, or even canned tuna to your Simple Green Salad to make it a hearty standalone meal that satisfies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a burst of freshness that works for any occasion, you’ll love the unbeatable flavor, crunch, and simplicity of this Simple Green Salad. Give it a try next time you want to brighten up your table—your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you!

Simple Green Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Simple Green Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that can accompany any meal. Packed with a variety of mixed greens, colorful veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Salad Greens:

6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)

Additional Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup shredded carrots

Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.