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+ servings
Best Simple Side Salad

Best Simple Side Salad for Bright, Flavorful Meals

Enjoy the Best Simple Side Salad, a vibrant, healthy addition to any meal, featuring crisp greens and easy balsamic vinaigrette.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups Mixed Leafy Greens or Romaine Lettuce Use any hearty salad greens, such as spinach or arugula.
  • 1 whole Cucumber Diced, zucchini can be a substitute.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved, any firm tomato can work.
  • 1/4 whole Red Onion Thinly sliced, soak in water to mellow flavor if desired.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives Pitted, can use black or green olives.
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta Optional for dairy-free diets; crumbled tofu is a vegan replacement.
For the Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality oil for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Aged balsamic offers a sweeter flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhance the flavor profile.
  • a pinch Salt Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until well combined and emulsified. Set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed leafy greens, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Toss gently.
  3. Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1saladCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Choose fresh greens, add vinaigrette just before serving, and customize with toppings for a unique twist.

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