Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette
A crisp and refreshing side salad featuring a mix of tender greens, crunchy cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. The perfect light accompaniment to any main course.
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 lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, and dried oregano.
- c.Whisk or shake vigorously to combine.
- d.Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- e.Season with salt and black pepper, and whisk again. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the salad
- b.In a large salad bowl, add the washed and dried mixed greens.
- c.Add the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion on top of the greens.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and serve
- b.Just before serving, give the vinaigrette a final whisk or shake.
- c.Pour about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything lightly.
- d.Add more dressing as needed to your preference. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 2For a perfectly emulsified dressing, use a small jar with a lid. Just add all ingredients, seal, and shake well.
- 3Ensure your salad greens are completely dry before adding them to the bowl. Dressing sticks better to dry leaves.
- 4Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar to make the vinaigrette fully plant-based.
high proteinHigh protein
To make it more filling, add 1/2 cup of chickpeas, a handful of toasted sunflower seeds, or some grilled chicken strips.
healthyHealthy
For a lower-fat version, reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons and add 1 tablespoon of water to the vinaigrette.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder lettuce like romaine or butter lettuce, and cut the vegetables into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can also use a slightly sweeter dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber provide essential vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals and antioxidants.
Source of Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Promotes Hydration
Cucumber and tomatoes have a high water content, which helps contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Low in Calories
This salad is light and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet or weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this salad is very healthy. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the fresh vegetables. The vinaigrette uses heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil.