Imagine a vibrant, refreshing salad that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just 10 minutes - this Tossed Salad with Tomato Basil Dressing is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe! Bursting with fresh ingredients and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish is not just a salad, it's a culinary experience that will transform your everyday meal into a gourmet delight. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a light dinner, this recipe promises to tantalize your senses and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes under running water. Cut each tomato in half and set aside.
- Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can cut the cucumber into half-moons or diced pieces for a different texture.
- In a small bowl, prepare the tomato basil dressing. Start by mincing 1-2 cloves of garlic, depending on your taste preference.
- Add the minced garlic to the bowl, then pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
- Chop a handful of fresh basil leaves and add them to the dressing mixture. You can adjust the amount of basil based on your preference for its flavor.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until it's well combined and emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber.
- Drizzle the tomato basil dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Serve the tossed salad immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your fresh Italian-inspired salad!
Tips
- Always use the freshest ingredients possible - crisp greens and ripe tomatoes make a world of difference.
- For the most flavorful dressing, use freshly minced garlic and hand-chopped basil leaves.
- Chill your salad bowl and ingredients beforehand to keep the salad extra crisp and refreshing.
- Don't overdress the salad - start with a little dressing and add more as needed to prevent soggy greens.
- If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's texture.
- Experiment with different types of mixed greens like arugula or baby spinach for varied flavor profiles.
- For added protein, consider topping the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
