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Fresh Summer Meals Recipe with Vibrant Garden Salad

vibrant garden salad - featured image
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A quick, easy, and refreshing garden salad perfect for hot summer days, featuring crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine) (about 180g)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (about 150g)
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (about 200g), peeled if desired
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 4–5 small fresh radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, mint), chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings:
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1 small avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all the salad greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean towel (about 5 minutes).
  2. Prepare the vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice cucumber and radishes, dice red bell pepper, and roughly chop fresh herbs (about 10 minutes).
  3. In a large bowl, gently toss together mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, radishes, and herbs (about 2 minutes).
  4. Make the dressing by whisking or shaking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until emulsified (about 3 minutes).
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly, starting with less dressing and adding more as needed (about 2 minutes).
  6. Add optional toppings: sprinkle toasted seeds or nuts, crumble cheese, and add avocado slices just before serving.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. If chilling, add avocado and nuts just before serving to maintain freshness.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad to avoid sogginess. Use fresh, crisp vegetables and toast nuts or seeds for added flavor and crunch. Chop herbs just before tossing to keep them fresh. Prepare veggies while dressing chills for efficient workflow. Store dressing and toppings separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer salad, garden salad, healthy salad, fresh herbs, easy salad recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, light meal

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/fresh-summer-meals-recipe-with-vibrant-garden-salad-easy-healthy-ideas-for-hot-days/