A refreshing and nutrient-packed salad that combines crisp vegetables, protein-rich ingredients, and a flavorful homemade dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a wholesome meal on its own. The blend of textures and flavors will make it a favorite in your kitchen, providing essential vitamins and minerals while being incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh lettuce (Romaine, iceberg, or mixed greens)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
- ½ cup boiled chickpeas or kidney beans
- ½ cup feta cheese or shredded mozzarella (optional)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ avocado, diced
- ¼ cup roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
- 1 boiled egg, sliced (optional)
For Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables – Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Slice and Dice – Cut cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrot, and bell peppers into preferred sizes. Add them to the salad bowl.
- Add Protein and Extras – Mix in boiled chickpeas or kidney beans for protein. If using, add feta cheese, black olives, diced avocado, and boiled egg slices for extra texture and flavor.
- Enhance with Nuts and Seeds – Toss in roasted nuts or sunflower seeds to add a crunchy texture.
- Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well until emulsified.
- Combine Everything – Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve Fresh – Enjoy immediately as a light meal or refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
This salad is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein, and swap ingredients according to your preference. A perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and rich flavors, this salad will surely become a staple in your meal plan. Enjoy the best homemade salad with a burst of natural goodness!