Imagine a salad that captures the essence of a perfect summer day – crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor! This Summer Salad with Orange Basil Dressing is not just a dish, it's a culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a backyard barbecue or craving a light, nutritious meal, this recipe promises to elevate your summer dining experience with its bright, tantalizing profile.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring even and uniform size for consistent flavor distribution in the salad.
- Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumber into delicate, translucent rounds. For added visual appeal, consider using a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-moon shapes. To reduce sharp intensity, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to the salad.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens as the salad base. Gently add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
- For the dressing, whisk together fresh orange juice, olive oil, and finely chopped fresh basil in a separate small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the orange basil dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and crisp textures of the summer salad.
Tips
- Always use the freshest ingredients possible. The quality of your produce directly impacts the salad's overall taste and texture.
- When slicing vegetables, aim for uniform cuts to ensure even flavor distribution and a visually appealing presentation.
- To reduce the sharp bite of red onions, soak sliced onions in cold water for 5 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Prepare the dressing separately and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent wilting.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting some pine nuts or adding crumbled feta cheese as optional garnishes.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad cool and refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
