Fresh Vegetable Salads With Light Dressings
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This fresh vegetable salad recipe is a delightful way to enjoy crisp, colorful veggies in every bite. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins and minerals, it’s a guilt-free dish that keeps you feeling great.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have a vibrant salad ready in no time.
- Versatile and Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or add a protein for a meal that’s uniquely yours.
Recipe
Fresh vegetable salads are a vibrant and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a light meal. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they are not only healthy but also rejuvenating and easy to prepare. This recipe combines crisp vegetables with a zesty dressing for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if using.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes:
- Adjust the vegetables to your preference or what’s in season.
- Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Serving: 2-4
Calories: Approximately 150 per serving (without cheese)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
Fresh vegetable salads are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. Below is a nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 50% DV |
| Vitamin C | 80% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing fresh vegetable salads with warm, crusty bread or a soft baguette to add a satisfying crunch. For a heartier meal, I’ll toss in some grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or even a handful of chickpeas to keep things filling and balanced. It’s all about finding what works best for your taste and making the meal feel complete!
Bread Options
A salad’s best friend doesn’t always have to be a fork—sometimes, it’s a slice of crusty bread! I love pairing fresh salads with whole grain options, like hearty multigrain or seeded loaves, for extra texture and nutrition. For something lighter, ciabatta options are perfect—their airy inside and crisp crust soak up dressings without overpowering the veggies. I often toast slices with a drizzle of olive oil for a warm, crunchy side. Whether you’re scooping up leftover dressing or just craving a bite of bread, these choices turn a simple salad into a satisfying meal. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Protein Pairings
When you’re looking to make your salad more filling, adding protein is the way to go—it’s like giving your meal a little boost! I love tossing in grilled chicken; it’s lean, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with crisp greens. For something plant-based, try a chickpea salad—it’s hearty and adds a nice texture. Sometimes, I’ll mix both for extra variety. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll throw in some hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s amazing how a simple protein addition can turn a light salad into a satisfying main dish!
