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Best Simple Side Salad

Best Simple Side Salad with Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette

This Best Simple Side Salad features fresh romaine, juicy tomatoes, and olives, paired with a zesty balsamic vinaigrette for a tasty side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens Butter lettuce or spinach can be great substitutes.
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers Colorful bell peppers can be used instead.
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes Diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes can be used.
  • 1 medium finely sliced red onion Green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives Black olives are a good alternative.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese Optional for a dairy-free version, avocado can be used.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Avocado oil works as well.
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Red wine vinegar can be used for different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Yellow mustard can be a substitute.
  • 1 pinch garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can enhance taste.
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of garlic powder and a sprinkle of salt. Whisk vigorously for about 2-3 minutes until well emulsified and smooth. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add 6 cups of chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens. Incorporate 1 cup of sliced cucumbers, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 finely sliced red onion. Add 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives and crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese if desired.
  3. Gently toss all the salad ingredients together to evenly distribute colors and textures. After about 30 seconds of tossing, the salad should look inviting and ready to be dressed.
  4. Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the tossed salad and gently toss again for about 20 seconds to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
  5. Transfer the salad onto a flat serving platter and serve immediately as a delightful side dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh greens only to avoid wilting, and dress just before serving for the best texture.

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