Green Salad Recipe

Whip up this Green Salad Recipe – it’s super duper easy, but still loaded with tasty textures and flavors. It’s a great sidekick dish – goes with almost everything! 

Alright, so put you on to my favorite go-to green salad. It’s super simple, but it doesn’t hold back on texture or flavor. I add a bit of that good creamy avocado in there, some Parmesan for salty, nutty goodness, and those tamari roasted almonds because crunch is so very not cool without them, and then of course, top it all off with my favorite lemon vinaigrette for that fresh, zesty twist. This salad is the real MVP-it’s almost as hot served alongside pasta as it is paired with a veggie burger, and it’s great for brunch. And if you are scrambling for that last-minute Easter-sunday side, this salad has got you covered.

How to Throw Together a Quick Green Salad

A killer green salad starts with fresh greens. I mean, I’m all about a great kale or mixed greens salad, but in my simple, refreshing sides, I like to stick with good ol’ lettuce as the base.
Lettuces should be soft and pliable, crisp ribs, no funky spots. I’m huge on the flavor and texture of butter lettuces-Boston or Bibb-but even very tender leaf or romaine works. Just go with what looks fresh. The more types, the better!

How can I personalize this basic mixed green salad?

This is the favorite part of the salad, at least for me. Yet, I like to keep things simple. With that said, here are the changes I have done on this salad without keeping it complicated.
Give it a Mexican twist: Use pepitas instead of sunflower seeds, add chopped tomatoes, black olives, finely diced jalapeños, and finish it off with a sprinkle of queso fresco. For dressing, you can try mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and lime juice, pretty much similar to what I used in my Mexican Street Corn Salad.

Mediterranean-style One of my other favorites. This is a swap out sunflower seeds for garbanzo beans. Add the kalamata olives, halved cherry tomatoes, with a sprinkle of thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of reduced balsamic dressing and you’re done.

Go Hawaiian: This is a bit different, but stick with me. Toss in canned, drained pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges and swap the ham with (or use with) bacon. Swap out the sunflower seeds for slivered almonds, and the tang to balance is added with blue cheese. The fruit will lend you natural sweetness, so consider light red wine or balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper or even a prepared store strawberry vinaigrette.

Add extra crunch: This isn’t a theme, but I love adding extra crunch to salads. Start with tossing in shredded Brussels sprouts and cabbage with the greens. Keep the sunflower seeds and layer in thinly sliced apples or pears. A bit of gorgonzola or goat cheese, together with some dried cranberries, will take it to the next level. And the dressing can stay as is for a perfect finish.

What are the healthiest fixings for a salad?

• Here are some of the healthiest salad fixings you can throw in. But, as I said before, balance is where it’s at! So, if you wanna add cheese or croutons, go ahead and toss those in-it’s your secret, not mine!
• Red or green leaf lettuce
• Carrots
• Yellow peppers
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Beans & legumes
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Sunflower seeds
• Flax seeds
• Tomatoes
• Almonds
• Cauliflower
• Garlic
• Brussels sprouts
• Kale
• Green peas
• Swiss chard
• Avocado oil
• Walnut oil
• Collard greens

FAQ’s for Green Salad Recipe

1. What is the best green for a salad?
The go-to greens are spinach, kale, romaine, or mixed spring greens. But hey, don’t be afraid to add some arugula or Swiss chard in there for added flavor!

2. How do you make a green salad more filling?
Easy! Toss in some protein: grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas. Nuts, seeds, and avocado will also help.

3. What is the healthiest dressing to go with a green salad?
Homemade dressings like olive oil and balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or light vinaigrette are good choices. Heavy creamy dressing is probably best avoided when you’re trying to keep it light.
4. What can I add for crunch in my salad?
Add some sunflower seeds, almonds, or croutons for that satisfying crunch. You could even toss in some sliced radishes or crispy chickpeas!

5. How do I avoid soggy greens in my salad?
To keep the soggy salad fight from arising, dress your salad at the last minute. Store your vegetables in separate containers if you’re preparing ahead of time.

6. How can I make a green salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just save the dressing and softer ingredients such as avocado for the moment you intend to serve.

7. How can make the salad more interesting?
Spice it up with different textures and flavors—roasted veggies, fresh herbs, a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese, or just different kinds of greens