Are you tired of boring, bland side dishes that take forever to prepare? Get ready to revolutionize your meal game with the most incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Easy Everyday Side Salad! In just 5 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, fresh salad that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just a salad - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a tantalizing balsamic vinaigrette that will elevate any main course from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water. Pat the mixed salad greens dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Place the mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl, creating a fresh green base for the salad.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, ensuring even and uniform size for consistent flavor distribution.
- Wash the cucumber and slice it thinly, creating delicate half-moon or round shapes depending on your preference.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly to provide a sharp, crisp accent to the salad without overpowering other ingredients.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with mixed greens.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, tossing gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the fresh vegetables and enjoy your quick and delicious side salad.
Tips
- Always wash your produce thoroughly to ensure food safety and remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Use a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to dry greens - this helps the dressing stick better and prevents a watery salad.
- Slice vegetables uniformly for both visual appeal and consistent flavor in every bite.
- Make your vinaigrette in a separate bowl to ensure perfect mixing of oil and vinegar.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent wilting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like crumbled feta or toasted nuts for added texture.
- Serve immediately for the freshest, crunchiest salad experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 82kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
