Fresh and Healthy Garden Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy

A garden salad recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing and nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, crisp greens, and a flavorful dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a wholesome meal, this easy-to-make salad is ideal for any occasion. The beauty of a garden salad lies in its versatility—you can mix and match ingredients based on your taste preferences or seasonal availability.

• Save

With its vibrant colors, crunchy textures, and delicious taste, a garden salad is not only appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while keeping meals light yet satisfying. In this guide, we’ll explore a detailed garden salad recipe, complete with prep time, nutrition facts, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Vitamin A: 80% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 60% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 8% of Daily Value
• Iron: 10% of Daily Value

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Course: Salad, Side Dish
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Salad tongs or mixing spoons
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small whisk or fork (for dressing)

Ingredients

Salad Base:

• 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or romaine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup radishes, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup black or green olives (optional)

Toppings:

• ¼ cup feta cheese or shredded parmesan (optional)
• ¼ cup croutons or toasted nuts for crunch

Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Rinse all vegetables thoroughly under cold water.
2. Chop the lettuce or mixed greens into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
3. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper into desired sizes.
4. Shred the carrots and thinly slice the radishes.
5. If using olives, drain and slice them.
6. Toss all prepared vegetables into the salad bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, oregano, and minced garlic.
2. Continue whisking until the dressing is well-emulsified and smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad.
2. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or a large spoon to ensure even coating.
3. Sprinkle croutons, feta cheese, or toasted nuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Allow the salad to rest for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Serve immediately as a side dish or add protein (grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu) for a more filling meal.
3. Enjoy your fresh and healthy garden salad!

Tips for the Best Garden Salad

• Use fresh ingredients: Crisp greens and ripe vegetables enhance the taste and texture.
• Add variety: Experiment with different leafy greens, seasonal veggies, or fresh herbs.
• Customize the dressing: Adjust the acidity, sweetness, or seasoning based on your preference.
• Keep it crunchy: Nuts, seeds, or crispy chickpeas can add a delightful crunch.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling dish.

Conclusion

This garden salad recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as a nutritious side dish. With endless customization options, you can easily tailor it to suit your taste. Try this refreshing salad today and enjoy a burst of flavors with every bite!

• Save

Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.