Garden Fresh Salad is a light, colorful, and refreshing dish packed with crisp vegetables and natural flavors. Made with a variety of fresh produce, this salad is perfect as a healthy side dish, a quick lunch, or a nutritious addition to any meal. The combination of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers creates a satisfying texture in every bite.
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or toppings to suit your taste. Tossed with a simple homemade dressing, this Garden Fresh Salad is a wholesome option that’s easy to prepare and ideal for warm-weather gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Estimated Cost: $6–$8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Course: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Salad tongs or serving spoon
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Chop the lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, shredded carrots, and parsley into a large salad bowl.
Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
Recipe Notes
Freshness Tips
- Use the freshest vegetables available for the best flavor and texture.
- Dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
Variations
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Include feta cheese or goat cheese for added flavor.
- Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Storage
- Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled meats, sandwiches, soups, or pasta dishes.
- Serve as a refreshing side at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.