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Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Garden Salad


  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 45 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This quick and easy old-school garden salad is a refreshing side dish packed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet carrots, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for any meal, it’s endlessly customizable and ready in just minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Salad:

    • 1 small head iceberg lettuce or other leafy greens, chopped into large bite-sized pieces (56 big handfuls)
    • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (~125g/4oz)
    • 1 medium cucumber, sliced (Lebanese/Persian or ½ of a long English cucumber)
    • 1 carrot, peeled and grated
    • 1 tsp parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional garnish)
  • Dressing:

    • 1 tbsp cider vinegar (or substitute with any vinegar or lemon juice)
    • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
    • ½ tsp kosher salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Prep the Vegetables:

    • Wash and dry all vegetables. Chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and grate the carrot. Add to a large salad bowl.
  • Make the Dressing:

    • Combine olive oil, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small jar. Shake well until emulsified. Adjust to taste if needed.
  • Toss the Salad:

    • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
  • Garnish and Serve:

    • Add parsley or chives if desired. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • For a tangier dressing, add more vinegar. To soften the tang, add a pinch of sugar or honey.
  • Substitute ingredients as needed: use spinach, arugula, or kale instead of iceberg lettuce, or try adding radishes or bell peppers for variety.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but keep the dressing separate to preserve freshness.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: None
  • Category: Side Salad
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Garden Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Fresh Vegetables, Homemade Salad Dressing, Healthy Side Dish