Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with our Family Favorite Salads Always Impress recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, mouth-watering dish that combines fresh, crisp ingredients with a tantalizing dressing that will have everyone at the table asking for your secret. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light dinner option, this salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises to wow even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Ensure that your workspace is clean and organized for efficient preparation.
- Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water. Shake off any excess water or use a salad spinner to dry them. Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
- Next, wash the cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and add them to the bowl with the mixed greens.
- Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds or half-moons. Add the cucumber slices to the salad bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Once ready, add the red onion to the bowl.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces and sprinkle it over the salad. This will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to your dish.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a ratio of 3:1 (three parts olive oil to one part balsamic vinegar). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, then whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your refreshing and colorful family favorite salad that is sure to impress!
Tips
- For the freshest taste, use room temperature ingredients and chop them just before serving.
- To prevent wilting, add the dressing only moments before serving.
- For a flavor boost, try toasting some pine nuts or sunflower seeds as a crunchy topping.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crisp texture.
- Experiment with different types of feta - try goat cheese or a plant-based alternative for variety.
- For a more intense flavor, let the sliced red onions sit in the dressing for a few minutes before adding to the salad.
- Always use extra virgin olive oil and a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best dressing results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
