Simple Green Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens and cucumber, tossed in a zesty, salt-free lemon vinaigrette. The perfect light side dish for any meal, ready in just 5 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the vinaigrette.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk again until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified.
TIPFor a quick mix, add all dressing ingredients to a small jar with a lid and shake vigorously.Assemble the salad.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and sliced cucumber.
- Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the greens.
- Gently toss everything together until the leaves are lightly coated with the dressing.
TIPMake sure your greens are completely dry before tossing. This helps the dressing stick to the leaves instead of pooling at the bottom.Serve immediately.
Divide the salad among four plates and serve right away to ensure the greens stay crisp.
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 instead of bottled.
- 2You can make a larger batch of the vinaigrette and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- 3Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- 4To save time, prepare the dressing in a jar with a lid and just shake well before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
high proteinHigh protein
Toss in some grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg to make it a more substantial meal.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add some sweet elements like halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, or mandarin orange slices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent for Hydration
Cucumbers are composed of over 95% water, making this salad a refreshing way to contribute to your daily hydration needs.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Mixed greens are a powerhouse of essential nutrients like Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin A for vision, and antioxidants that protect your cells.
Supports Heart Health
Extra virgin olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and fiber from the greens and cucumber, and provides healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. As a salt-free, low-calorie side dish, it's an excellent choice for a balanced diet.
