Simple Side Salad with Vinaigrette
A crisp, refreshing mix of greens tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and a quick homemade vinaigrette. The from-scratch dressing is tangy and bright, ready in minutes. It's the perfect light side to round out any weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep
Wash and prep the vegetables.
1.Wash romaine lettuce and chop into bite-sized pieces.2.Slice cherry tomatoes in half.3.Slice cucumber into thin half-moons. - mix
Make the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil and red wine vinegar.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk vigorously until emulsified and combined. - assemble
Toss the salad with the dressing.
Place the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
- serve
Serve immediately.
Divide the salad among plates and serve 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 lettuce thoroughly after washing to help the vinaigrette cling instead of pooling.
- 2Use a 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar as a starting point, adjusting to your preferred tang.
- 3Cut cucumber and tomatoes just before serving so they don't water down the salad.
- 4Whisk the dressing very well to emulsify it fully for a creamy texture without cream.
- 5Toss the salad gently using your hands to avoid bruising the leaves and ensure even coating.
- 6If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss only when ready to serve.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Replace 1 tbsp of olive oil with an equal amount of water or vegetable broth, whisking well; reduces calories while keeping tangy flavor.
high proteinHigh-protein
Top the salad with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or sliced hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan; simply ensure your red wine vinegar is unfiltered and enjoy as-is.
extra herbyExtra-herby
Add 1 tbsp of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil to the vinaigrette for an aromatic twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
With just olive oil and fresh vegetables, this salad is naturally low in calories while providing satisfying crunch.
Rich in Vitamin K
Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
Hydrating Vegetables
Cucumber and cherry tomatoes have high water content, helping with hydration and adding volume without extra calories.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the greens.
Frequently asked questions
Separation is natural because oil and vinegar don't stay mixed. Whisk again right before drizzling, or use a tiny bit of Dijon mustard as an emulsifier.
