Garden Side Salad
A crisp and refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cool cucumber, all tossed in a simple homemade vinaigrette. The perfect light accompaniment to any main course.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vinaigrette
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Seal the jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified.
Assemble the salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Gently toss the vegetables together to distribute them evenly.
Dress and serve
- Just before serving, pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently until all the ingredients are lightly coated.
- Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- 2To prevent a soggy salad, always add the dressing right before you plan to serve it.
- 3The vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just shake well before using.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- 5If you find red onion too sharp, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1/2 cup of canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds per serving for a protein boost.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, use your favorite store-bought vegan vinaigrette instead of making it from scratch.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. You can also add some sweet corn to make it more appealing to kids.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, reduce the olive oil to 1.5 tablespoons and increase the vinegar to 4.5 tablespoons for a tangier dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The variety of fresh vegetables provides essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium, which support immune function and overall health.
Good Source of Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Hydrating and Low in Calories
With high-water-content vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes, this salad helps with hydration while being very low in calories, making it great for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh vegetables, and contains healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. It's low in calories and naturally vegan.
