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Side Salad

Irresistible Side Salad with Easy Balsamic Dressing Recipe

This Side Salad recipe combines fresh greens and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with an Easy Balsamic Dressing for a simple, nutritious dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 4 cups Mixed Leafy Greens or Romaine Lettuce Try sturdy greens like spinach or kale for a change.
  • 0.5 whole Cucumber Provides a refreshing crunch; zucchini is an alternative.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Adds juicy sweetness; feel free to use any tomato variety.
  • 0.25 whole Red Onion Introduces sharpness; swap with green onions for a milder taste.
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives Imparts brininess; black olives are a milder alternative.
  • 0.33 cup Feta Cheese Gives creaminess; can replace with crumbled tofu for vegan.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 0.33 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Heart-healthy fats.
  • 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar Brings acidity and sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Adds flavor complexity.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Salad Spoons

Method
 

Steps
  1. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until emulsified.
  2. Combine salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl, starting with the leafy greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
  3. Toss the salad with the prepared vinaigrette until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Taste and adjust the dressing with more salt or olive oil if necessary. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness, and dress right before enjoying it for the best experience.

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