Garden Salad
A crisp, refreshing mix of seasonal greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers tossed with a simple homemade vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or the ultimate side dish for any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the vegetables.
1.Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly, then tear it into bite-sized pieces.2.Cut the tomatoes into wedges.3.Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then into half-moons.4.Peel and thinly slice the carrot.5.Thinly slice the bell pepper. - mix · ~1 min
Make the vinaigrette.
1.Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in the small jar.2.Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until emulsified.TIPA small jar gives you the best emulsion — the dressing should look cloudy, not separated. - assemble · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
1.Place the lettuce in the large mixing bowl.2.Add the tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper.3.Drizzle the vinaigrette over the vegetables.4.Toss gently with clean hands or salad servers until everything is lightly coated. - serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the salad among bowls and enjoy right away while it's crisp.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Thoroughly dry your lettuce with a salad spinner or clean towel — excess water dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
- 2Slice cucumbers and bell peppers uniformly so every bite has a balanced crunch.
- 3Make the vinaigrette just before serving for the brightest lemon flavor; it can separate if left to sit.
- 4Add the dressing right before serving and toss gently — dressed salad wilts within 15 minutes.
- 5For extra texture, let the sliced carrots soak in ice water for 5 minutes to curl and crisp up.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 150g of grilled chicken breast, chickpeas, or cubed firm tofu to turn this light side into a filling main dish salad.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan as written; double-check your specific olive oil and lemon juice are unprocessed for strict vegans.
low oilLow-oil
Replace 2 tbsp of olive oil with water or extra lemon juice to reduce fat while maintaining a tangy dressing.
jainJain
Omit the carrot and use only the leafy greens, cucumber, and bell pepper; ensure the salt is rock salt and the lemon juice is non-sulfured.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Tomatoes, bell peppers, and lemon juice provide a strong dose of immune-supporting vitamin C naturally.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Cucumber and lettuce have high water content and few calories, making this salad a refreshing, hydrating choice.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil supplies monounsaturated fats, which are associated with supporting cardiovascular wellness.
High in Dietary Fiber
A mix of fresh vegetables provides natural fiber that aids digestion and promotes fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, cleaner flavor. Bottled juice often contains preservatives and a duller taste, so fresh is strongly recommended for this simple vinaigrette.
