Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A crisp and refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cool cucumber, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. The perfect light accompaniment to any meal, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the lemon-herb vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, maple syrup, and dried oregano.
- c.Add the salt and black pepper.
- d.Whisk well or shake the jar until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the salad
- b.In a large salad bowl, add the washed and dried mixed greens.
- c.Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber to the bowl.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toss and serve
- b.Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
- c.Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are lightly coated.
- d.Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your greens are completely dry before tossing with dressing; this helps the vinaigrette cling to the leaves.
- 2Make the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can make extra and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- 3For best results, only dress the salad right before you plan to eat it to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced red onion, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for more color and crunch.
- 5To turn this into a main course, add a source of protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan. Ensure the dijon mustard used does not contain any non-vegan ingredients.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or 1/2 cup of toasted sunflower seeds to boost the protein content.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought light lemon vinaigrette to save time on making the dressing from scratch.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder green like romaine or butter lettuce. Serve the dressing on the side for dipping.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Mixed greens and tomatoes provide essential vitamins like A, C, and K, which are important for immune function and bone health.
Good for Hydration
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad a great way to contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The extra virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and contains healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. It's low in calories and high in fiber.