Garden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe

Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make salad for those hot summer days? Look no further than this Garden Salad recipe! Packed with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a light lunch at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prepping for the week.
Ingredient Notes:
SALAD:
- Bag of leafy greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Small red onion, thinly sliced
DRESSING: - Apple cider vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dijon Mustard
- Salt
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds to the salad.
- Feel free to swap out the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To prevent a soggy salad, dress it just before serving.
- Use a mix of different greens, such as arugula or spinach, for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Garden Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To refresh the salad, drizzle with a little extra dressing before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, the dressing can be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Can I add protein to this salad? Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or tofu would be a great addition.
- Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing? Yes, you can use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- How can I make this salad more filling? Add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to bulk up the salad.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re in need of a light and refreshing salad, give this Garden Salad recipe a try. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any summer occasion. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintGarden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe
Enjoy the flavors of summer with this refreshing garden salad. Crisp leafy greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty red onions are tossed in a tangy dressing for a perfect side dish or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
SALAD:
- 1 bag of leafy greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
DRESSING:
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the salad: Combine leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add additional toppings like crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and protein.
- This salad is best served fresh, so dress it right before serving to prevent wilting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: summer salad, fresh recipe, garden salad, light meal, side dish