Side Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A crisp and refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The perfect light and healthy accompaniment to any main course, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the lemon vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
- Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Gently toss the vegetables together to distribute them evenly.
Dress and serve
- Just before serving, pour the prepared lemon vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat all the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Serve immediately as a fresh side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not bottled.
- 2You can make the vinaigrette ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just shake well before using.
- 3To prevent a soggy salad, only add the dressing right before you plan to serve it.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1/2 cup of chickpeas or a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds to each serving for a protein boost.
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 add some sweet corn to make it more appealing to kids.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
The variety of fresh vegetables provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C from tomatoes and lemon, and Vitamin K from leafy greens.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
With high-water-content vegetables like cucumber and lettuce, this salad is hydrating and a great low-calorie option to fill you up.
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 also low in calories and naturally vegan and gluten-free.
