Looking for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer? Our "Summer Salad with Homemade Dressing" is the perfect solution! Bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this delightful salad is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a dish that serves six and will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a light meal, this salad is sure to impress. Dive into the recipe and discover how to elevate your summer dining experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water, ensuring to remove any dirt or debris from the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pat dry the salad greens using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture, which will help the dressing adhere better to the leaves.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring even and uniform size for consistent presentation and flavor distribution.
- Cut cucumber into thin, uniform slices approximately 1/8 inch thick, creating elegant and easy-to-eat pieces.
- Thinly slice red onion using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings that will provide a mild, sharp flavor to the salad.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
- In a large serving bowl, gently combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
- Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and most vibrant flavors of the summer salad.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great salad is fresh produce. Visit your local farmer's market for the best selection of salad greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, wash and chop your vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to keep them crisp until you're ready to serve.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your salad greens. Spinach, arugula, or even kale can add unique flavors and textures.
- Dress It Right: For the best flavor, dress the salad just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and prevents them from wilting.
- Add Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or walnuts, to your salad.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing! Add herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic twist, or swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Make It a Meal: To turn this salad into a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
