Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Greens:
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and diced bell pepper to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss to Combine:
- Gently toss the salad ingredients with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish (Optional):
- If desired, garnish the salad with crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve the mixed greens salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or as a light meal on its own.
Tips:
- You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables or toppings of your choice, such as sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or sunflower seeds.
- For a heartier salad, you can add or tofu as a protein option.
- Make sure to adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference. You can always add more or less lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Just be sure to dress the salad right before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
Benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from a variety of colorful vegetables.
- Heart-Healthy: Contains heart-healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil and optional toppings like avocado or nuts.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Hydrating: Provides hydration from fresh vegetables and a light lemon dressing, perfect for supporting overall health.
Nutritive Value (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Vitamin A: 60% of the daily recommended value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 70% of the DV
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
Enjoy this mixed greens salad as a refreshing side dish or a light meal packed with goodness!