Simple Green Side Salad
A crisp, refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber tossed in a zesty lime-cumin vinaigrette. The perfect light and vibrant accompaniment to any Tex-Mex meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the salad ingredients.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced green bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
TIPTo tame the bite of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.Make the lime vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cumin powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
TIPMaking the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid is easy – just add all ingredients, seal, and shake vigorously.Dress the salad and serve.
Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.
TIPWaiting to dress the salad until the last minute keeps the greens crisp and fresh.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds.
- 2To make this a more substantial salad, add 1/2 cup of black beans or corn.
- 3If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice, but fresh is always best for flavor.
- 4Store the prepared vegetables and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for easy meal prep.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of cooked black beans or grilled, shredded chicken to turn this side into a light main course.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the red onion and jalapeño for a milder flavor that's more appealing to children.
healthyHealthy
For added creaminess and healthy fats without cheese, add 1/4 of a sliced avocado per serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
The variety of fresh vegetables like mixed greens, cucumber, and bell pepper contribute to a good fiber content, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Loaded with fresh vegetables, this salad provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C from bell peppers and lime, and Vitamin A from the greens, which support immune function.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Ingredients like cucumber and tomatoes have high water content, helping you stay hydrated. The entire salad is very low in calories, making it a perfect choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, provides dietary fiber, and is low in calories. The vinaigrette uses heart-healthy olive oil.