Mixed Greens Salad with Cucumber and Tomato
Crisp, refreshing mixed greens tossed with juicy cucumber, ripe tomato, and a simple tangy vinaigrette. This everyday salad comes together in 10 minutes and brightens up any meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Wash and dry the greens.
Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water and dry thoroughly with a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Damp greens will make the salad soggy, so take your time with this step.
TIPGreens must be bone-dry — water clinging to the leaves will dilute the dressing and wilt the salad. - prep · ~2 min
Slice the cucumber and tomato.
1.Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moons.2.Core the tomatoes and cut them into bite-size wedges or thick chunks. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper.3.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.TIPTaste the vinaigrette with a leaf of lettuce — adjust the salt or vinegar before dressing the whole bowl. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
Place the dried greens in a large salad bowl. Scatter the cucumber slices and tomato wedges on top. Drizzle the vinaigrette around the sides of the bowl, not directly on the leaves, then toss gently with your hands or two large spoons until everything is lightly coated.
TIPDrizzle dressing around the bowl's edge for the most even coating, and use your hands — they're the gentlest tool for tossing greens. - serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the dressed salad among four plates or tip into a serving bowl and bring to the table right away. This salad is best eaten within minutes of dressing.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry greens thoroughly in a salad spinner — any water clings to leaves, dilutes dressing, and turns the salad soggy.
- 2Slice cucumber into thin half-moons so each piece catches the vinaigrette and adds crunch to every bite.
- 3Use a ripe, in-season tomato for maximum sweetness and juiciness to balance the tangy dressing.
- 4Whisk the vinaigrette vigorously until it emulsifies and slightly thickens for a clingy dressing that coats every leaf.
- 5Drizzle the dressing around the sides of the bowl, not directly on the greens, to avoid pooling and ensure even distribution.
- 6Toss the salad with your hands — they are gentler than tongs and won't bruise the delicate greens.
- 7Serve immediately after dressing; dressed greens wilt within minutes, so eat this salad right at the table.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Swap half the olive oil for plain yogurt or buttermilk to make a creamy, lower-fat dressing while keeping the tang.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas and 2 tablespoons of toasted sunflower seeds for a plant-based protein boost that turns this side into a lunch.
herbyHerby
Stir 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, basil, or parsley into the vinaigrette for a garden-fresh flavor twist.
jainJain
Replace the tomato with roasted red pepper strips and use a lemon-juice dressing instead of red wine vinegar to avoid any root vegetables or fermented vinegar.
veganVegan
This recipe is already fully vegan — skip no substitutions needed, but consider adding sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Vitamin C
Fresh tomatoes provide a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Cucumber and mixed greens are naturally high in water content, helping keep you hydrated and full without excess calories.
Rich in Antioxidants
Extra virgin olive oil and raw vegetables offer polyphenols and carotenoids that combat oxidative stress.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
The combination of greens, cucumber, and tomato contributes roughage that aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Your greens were likely still damp after washing. Spin or pat them absolutely dry — even a little moisture dilutes the vinaigrette and makes the salad soggy.
