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Simple Side Salad

Zesty Simple Side Salad with Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Simple Side Salad bursts with freshness and flavor, perfectly paired with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups mixed leafy greens or romaine lettuce can swap with spinach or kale
  • 1 cup cucumber can replace with zucchini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red onion can use green onions or shallots
  • 1/3 cup kalamata olives any type of olives can substitute
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese optional, omit for vegan
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil use high-quality oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar essential for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard experiment with different types
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt add more to taste if needed

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and well-blended. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. In a large bowl, add your mixed leafy greens or romaine lettuce, followed by the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese (if using). Gently toss to combine all the fresh veggies.
  3. Just before serving, pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together well, ensuring that each ingredient is deliciously coated in the dressing.
  4. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad on a flat platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Dress just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

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