Looking for a vibrant, flexible, and delicious option you’ll come back to again and again? This Everyday Salad is just that: crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy seeds, and tangy crumbled cheese all tossed in a bright homemade dressing. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s speedy enough for lunch and gorgeous enough for company. No matter the season or occasion, this salad shines with color, flavor, and plenty of ways to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad is how everyday ingredients come together to make something you’ll actually crave. Each item adds its own flair—think crunch, creaminess, or a burst of tartness—so once you know them, you can mix and match to suit your mood or whatever’s in the fridge.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): The backbone of your Everyday Salad—choose a blend like romaine, spinach, and arugula for perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): These add a sweet juiciness and gorgeous pop of color.
- Cucumber (1, sliced): Crisp, refreshing, and super hydrating, cucumbers keep things light.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Brings a just-enough bite and a splash of purple.
- Avocado (1, diced): For pockets of creamy richness that contrasts all the crunch.
- Shredded carrots (1/4 cup): These strips add sweetness, color, and an extra crunch.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (1/4 cup): The tangy, creamy finishing touch! Go with whichever cheese suits your mood.
- Roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (1/4 cup): Nutty crunch that makes every bite more interesting. Toasting makes them extra flavorful!
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): A grassy, smooth base for your classic dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Punchy acidity cuts through the richness and ties everything together.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and extra depth to the dressing—don’t skip it!
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a touch of sweetness balances out the zing of the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Never underestimate the power of seasoning; it makes all the ingredients sing.
How to Make Everyday Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber. A salad spinner works wonders here, but a clean dish towel does the trick, too. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half, cut the cucumber into coins, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the avocado just before serving to keep it green and fresh.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Grab your largest salad bowl—space is your friend here! Add the greens first, then layer on cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, shredded carrots, and crumbled cheese. Sprinkle the sunflower seeds or nuts over the top. You’re aiming for a blend of colors and textures in every forkful.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Take a little taste—this is your chance to adjust the balance between tangy, sweet, and salty!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the fresh dressing over the salad (start with about half, then add more to taste), and gently toss to combine. Serve the Everyday Salad immediately, making sure each plate gets a little of everything. If you’re meal prepping, wait to add the dressing until just before eating for freshness.
How to Serve Everyday Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds or a dash of fresh herbs (try parsley, basil, or chives) makes this Everyday Salad feel extra special. If you love a bit more zing, add a squeeze of lemon or a grind of black pepper over the top right before serving—the finishing touch for maximum freshness and flavor.
Side Dishes
Everyday Salad makes a lively companion to just about anything. Pair it with a comforting bowl of soup for a balanced lunch, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon for dinner, or make it the star with warm crusty bread for scooping. It’s a universal side that plays well with classic American meals and global flavors alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes it’s fun to shake things up! Try arranging the salad components in stripes or sections (great for picky eaters or a salad bar). Serve in individual glass jars for picnics, or pile it high on a big platter for a help-yourself party salad. Everyday Salad looks stunning in any format, so let your creativity (and your pantry) guide you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Everyday Salad, store the undressed greens and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess—this way, everything stays crisp and lunch-ready for up to two days. Assembled and dressed salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up for a few hours if you’re packing it for work or school.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best route for salads like this one. Greens, cucumbers, avocado, and tomatoes don’t bounce back well after a spin in the freezer—they tend to get limp and watery. However, any leftover dressing can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge, then shake or whisk before using.
Reheating
Since this is a raw and refreshing salad, you won’t need any reheating. If you do add cooked protein (like grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas), you can warm that separately before topping your cold salad. Otherwise, simply toss and enjoy straight from the fridge. Easy!
FAQs
Can I use different greens or swap in seasonal veggies?
Absolutely! The beauty of Everyday Salad is its versatility. Try kale or butter lettuce instead of mixed greens, or add in radishes, bell peppers, or whatever’s fresh at your market. Feel free to play around so it never gets boring!
Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese?
Yes! Omit the feta or goat cheese, or use a favorite plant-based cheese. Nutritional yeast also gives a slightly cheesy, savory note that’s delicious with these flavors.
How can I make the salad heartier for a main course?
Boost the protein by adding grilled chicken, salmon, roasted tofu, or canned chickpeas. A scoop of cooked quinoa or farro also makes it more filling for a meal while keeping everything wholesome and satisfying.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The dressing actually improves after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld. Just give it a stir or shake before drizzling over your Everyday Salad when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?
Cut and dice the avocado just before serving your Everyday Salad, and if you need to prep ahead, sprinkle the pieces with lemon or lime juice to slow browning. It stays bright and creamy for a few hours this way.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Everyday Salad earns a spot on my table over and over—it’s fast, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor and nutrients. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll be your new favorite, too. Give it a try soon and see just how effortlessly fresh and delicious salad can be!
Print
Everyday Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and versatile Everyday Salad recipe that features a mix of fresh greens, colorful vegetables, creamy avocado, and a tangy homemade dressing. This salad is quick to assemble, making it a perfect go-to for a healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Mixed Greens Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, arugula)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, shredded carrots, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is endlessly customizable—swap in seasonal vegetables, different greens, or your favorite protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
