Garden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe
Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish to enjoy this summer? Look no further than this Garden Salad recipe! Packed with fresh veggies and a tangy dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or simply looking for a light and healthy meal, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with fresh flavors from the crisp veggies.
- Quick and simple to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile and customizable to suit your preferences.
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
These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Feel free to swap out the veggies for your favorites or adjust the dressing to your taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon Mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For added crunch, try adding some toasted nuts or seeds to the salad.
- To make this salad a complete meal, add some grilled chicken or tofu on top.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality olive oil and vinegar for the best flavor.
- Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld together.
- Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper—seasoning is key to a well-balanced salad.
Serving Suggestions:
This Garden Salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside some crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful summer dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and only toss with the veggies right before serving. If needed, you can refresh the salad by adding a little more dressing before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
Yes, feel free to swap apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. - How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding some cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the salad can make it more substantial and satisfying. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the veggies and dressing ahead of time and assemble right before serving. - Are there any other veggies I can add to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado for extra color and texture.
Conclusion:
With its fresh flavors and easy preparation, this Garden Salad is sure to become a staple in your summer recipe rotation. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it! Enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.
PrintGarden Salad: A Fresh Summer Recipe
This Garden Salad is a refreshing and light summer recipe filled with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s the perfect dish for a hot day.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- 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: In a large bowl, combine the leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon Mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.
Notes
- You can add additional toppings like nuts, seeds, or feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Feel free to customize the dressing by adding herbs like basil or parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: summer recipe, garden salad, fresh salad, healthy eating