Simple Green Side Salad
A crisp, refreshing mix of fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber tossed in a light, tangy vinaigrette. This classic American side salad comes together in minutes and rounds out any meal from grilled steak to pasta night. It's the kind of salad that lets good ingredients speak for themselves—simple, clean, and always welcome at the table.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Wash and prep all the vegetables.
1.Wash the romaine lettuce leaves, pat dry, and tear into bite-sized pieces.2.Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.3.Halve the cherry tomatoes.4.Thinly slice the red onion.TIPDry your greens thoroughly—a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel works best. Dressing sticks to dry leaves. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk together the vinaigrette.
In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- mix · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
Place the lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in the salad bowl. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and serve right away while cold and crisp.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a salad spinner to dry lettuce completely; dressing slides off wet leaves.
- 2Tear lettuce by hand instead of cutting to prevent bruising on the edges.
- 3Slice red onion paper-thin so its sharpness mellows into the salad.
- 4Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- 5Soak sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-fresh
Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for an extra layer of freshness and aroma.
creamy dressingCreamy-dressing
Replace the lemon vinaigrette with a yogurt-herb or ranch dressing for a richer, tangier salad.
extra crunchExtra-crunch
Top with toasted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or croutons for added texture.
protein boostProtein-boost
Toss in grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or crumbled feta to turn this side salad into a light main course.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cherry tomatoes and fresh lemon juice provide a healthy dose of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Hydrating Greens
Romaine lettuce and cucumber have high water content, helping keep the body hydrated while adding volume with minimal calories.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil offers monounsaturated fats that may support cardiovascular health when used in moderation.
Low-Calorie Side
This salad is naturally low in calories, making it a perfect addition to any meal without weighing you down.
Frequently asked questions
You can wash and chop the vegetables up to one day ahead, but only add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
