Lettuce and Tomato Salad
A crisp and refreshing classic, this simple salad combines fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion. It's all tossed in a zesty red wine vinaigrette for the perfect side dish or light lunch.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- c.Add the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously with a fork or seal the jar and shake well for about 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified (creamy and well-combined).
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Salad Vegetables
- b.Ensure your chopped romaine lettuce is thoroughly washed and completely dry. A salad spinner is excellent for this.
- c.Chop the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- d.Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.In a large salad bowl, add the prepared romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- c.Just before serving, give the vinaigrette one last shake or whisk and pour it over the salad.
- d.Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are lightly and evenly coated with the dressing.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a crisp salad is completely dry lettuce. Any water on the leaves will make the dressing slide off and pool at the bottom.
- 2Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just shake well before using.
- 3Always dress the salad right before you plan to eat it. The vinegar and salt in the dressing will cause the lettuce to wilt over time.
- 4Use high-quality, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes are excellent choices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken breast, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or a cup of chickpeas.
Add CheeseAdd Cheese
Incorporate crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a salty, creamy element.
Add CrunchAdd Crunch
Toss in some homemade croutons, toasted sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts for extra texture.
Vary the VeggiesVary the Veggies
Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like sliced cucumber, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or Kalamata olives.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
With a high water content from lettuce and tomatoes, this salad helps with hydration while being very low in calories, making it great for weight management.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Supports Heart Health
The extra virgin olive oil in the vinaigrette provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Excellent Source of Vitamins
This simple salad is a good source of essential vitamins, including Vitamin K and Vitamin A from romaine lettuce and Vitamin C from tomatoes, which supports immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 130 calories, with most of the calories coming from the healthy fats in the olive oil.