Mixed Greens Salad with Vegetables
A crisp, refreshing salad loaded with fresh mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and sweet bell pepper. Tossed in a light, tangy homemade vinaigrette that brightens every bite. Ready in 15 minutes, this is the perfect everyday side salad.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Wash and dry the greens.
Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water and spin dry in a salad spinner or pat gently with paper towels until fully dry.
TIPMake sure greens are completely dry or the dressing won't cling properly. - prep · ~5 min
Prepare all the vegetables.
1.Halve the cherry tomatoes.2.Slice cucumber into half-moons.3.Thinly slice the bell pepper.4.Peel and shred the carrot.5.Thinly slice the red onion. - mix · ~1 min
Make the vinaigrette.
1.Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dijon mustard in a small bowl.2.Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified (about 30 seconds).TIPWhisk vigorously — the mustard helps the oil and vinegar stay together. - assemble · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
1.Place the greens in a large salad bowl.2.Add the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and red onion.3.Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top.4.Toss gently with hands or two large spoons until evenly coated.TIPToss lightly and just before serving — over-mixing bruises the greens. - serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the dressed salad into serving bowls or plates right away while the greens are crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the greens thoroughly in a salad spinner so the vinaigrette coats each leaf instead of pooling at the bottom.
- 2Slice cucumber into half-moons rather than rounds so they mix evenly with the other vegetables and don't slide off your fork.
- 3Whisk the vinaigrette vigorously for at least 30 seconds until it looks creamy and opaque — the Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier.
- 4Add the dressing just before serving and toss gently with your hands; this prevents the greens from wilting or getting bruised.
- 5For a make-ahead option, prep all vegetables and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge; dress only when ready to eat.
- 6Let the dressed salad rest for 1 minute before serving — this allows the flavours to meld without the greens going soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Top each serving with 100g of grilled chicken breast, canned chickpeas (rinsed), or crumbled feta cheese to turn the side salad into a satisfying main meal.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the olive oil with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt blended with a splash of water; you'll get a creamy dressing with significantly less fat.
jainJain
Omit the garlic and red onion, replace with finely chopped fresh chives and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) in the dressing, and use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a Jain-friendly version.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan — no changes needed. For extra richness, add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
low carbLow-carb
Skip the shredded carrot and add extra cucumber, bell pepper, and a handful of diced radishes to keep the crunch while reducing the total carbohydrate content.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot provide a solid dose of dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Packed with Vitamin A
Carrots and mixed greens are excellent sources of vitamin A from beta-carotene, which is essential for good vision and a strong immune system.
Source of Antioxidants
Red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes deliver vitamin C and lycopene, antioxidants that help protect your cells from oxidative stress.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health when used in place of saturated fats.
Frequently asked questions
Make sure the greens are bone-dry after washing and only add the dressing right before serving. Any leftover dressing should be stored separately.
