All Recipes
Beverages
Breakfast
Appetizers
Dinner
Sides
Dessert
Videos
Discover the epitome of freshness with this Garden Salad recipe! Bursting with vibrant flavors, this culinary masterpiece showcases crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and an array of delectable garden-fresh vegetables. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, every mouthful is an explosion of taste that will leave you craving for more.
What’s in a Garden Salad?
A garden salad typically consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and greens that are combined to create a refreshing and nutritious dish. The key ingredients commonly found in a garden salad include crisp lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crispy carrots.
Other popular additions may include radishes, bell peppers, red onions, and sliced mushrooms. Additionally, garden salads often feature fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. These ingredients are typically tossed together and can be dressed with a vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of choice.
Ingredients Needed
- Iceberg Lettuce – The essential base for your vegetable salad is a versatile lettuce like iceberg lettuce. Its mild flavor effortlessly complements a variety of veggies, allowing for endless combinations, but most importantly the garden salad.
- Vegetables – Experience the perfect harmony of tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots—the foundation of this exceptional salad. Get imaginative and make it uniquely yours by incorporating your favorite ingredients.
- Croutons – Elevate your salad with a satisfying crunch. Whether it’s homemade croutons or your preferred brand, indulge in the perfect crispy addition.
- Dressing – Experience the perfect balance of flavors in this salad dressing. Made with olive oil, red or white wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, it enhances your salad with a delightful taste.
How to Make a Garden Salad
- Make the croutons. This is optional, but highly recommended. Slice up your favorite crusty bread into cubes and then drizzle and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top and bake in the oven at 375 F until crispy and golden, about 15 minutes.
- Mix the dressing. Prepare the dressing by combining the ingredients in a small bowl, whisking them together to achieve a harmonious blend. Alternatively, pour the ingredients into a jar with a secure lid and shake vigorously until fully combined. Customize the taste to your liking by adding more of any specific ingredient.
- Arrange the salad. Put the lettuce into a large bowl and top with the tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also add radishes and avocado.
- Drizzle with the dressing. Achieve salad perfection by drizzling the dressing over the greens, ensuring an even and flavorful coating that enhances every ingredient. Give the salad a gentle toss to evenly distribute the dressing. Complete by sprinkling the irresistible croutons on top.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Add protein. If you want to serve up this vegetable salad for lunch, consider adding your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu come to mind!
- Don’t shy away from extras. As I mentioned, you can add so much to this garden salad recipe! Feel free to include your own personal favorites — you could even add some fresh fruit like berries or apples.
- Use a large bowl. It will make mixing a lot easier! There’s nothing worse than loading up all of your ingredients only to find that you don’t have room to toss your salad.
FAQS
You probably added a bit too much dressing! Resist the urge to pour in a large portion. It’s always easier to add more. If you add too much, the lettuce will wilt and become a soggy and mushy mess.
If you have a favorite salad dressing that you want to use instead of my homemade recipe, go for it! I love ranch, green goddess, and a simple combination of balsamic and olive oil too.
To store a fresh garden salad and keep it crisp, use an airtight container with a paper towel on top to absorb moisture. Refrigerate below 40°F (4°C) and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.
What to Serve with Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, complementing them with its fresh and vibrant flavors. Here are some popular options to serve alongside a garden salad:
- Grilled Chicken: Tender and juicy grilled chicken breasts or skewers make for a satisfying and protein-packed addition to a garden salad.
- Salmon: Grilled, baked, or pan-seared salmon fillets add a flavorful and nutritious element to the salad, especially when seasoned with herbs and spices.
- Crusty Bread: Serve a basket of freshly baked crusty bread or dinner rolls to accompany the salad, allowing for a satisfying combination of textures.
- Quiche: A slice of vegetable quiche provides a delightful contrast to the crispness of the salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Soup: Pairing a garden salad with a warm bowl of soup, such as Curried Pumpkin Soup, or a vegetable-based soup such as Tuscan White Bean, creates a comforting and well-rounded meal.
- Pasta: A side of pasta, whether it’s a simple Bow Tie Pasta or Spaghetti Casserole, can complement the garden salad and add heartiness to the meal.
- Vegetables: Served hot or cold, a medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, brings a smoky and charred element to the salad ensemble. Roasted vegetables such as Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots are also a delicious option.
Fresh Garden Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce shredded
- 1 cup Grape Tomatoes halved
- 1 medium Cucumber sliced
- 1 medium Carrot peeled and diced
- 4 Radishes sliced
- 1 Avocado chopped, optional
- 1 loaf Crusty Bread or croutons
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Garden Salad Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
- Make the croutons. This is optional, but highly recommended. Slice up your favorite crusty bread into cubes and then drizzle and toss with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top and bake in the oven at 375 F until crispy and golden, about 15 minutes.
- Mix the dressing. Prepare the dressing by combining the ingredients in a small bowl, whisking them together to achieve a harmonious blend. Alternatively, pour the ingredients into a jar with a secure lid and shake vigorously until fully combined. Customize the taste to your liking by adding more of any specific ingredient.
- Arrange the salad. Put the lettuce into a large bowl and top with the tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also add radishes and avocado.
- Drizzle with the dressing. Achieve salad perfection by drizzling the dressing over the greens, ensuring an even and flavorful coating that enhances every ingredient. Give the salad a gentle toss to evenly distribute the dressing. Complete by sprinkling the irresistible croutons on top.
Notes
- Add protein. If you want to serve up this vegetable salad for lunch, consider adding your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu come to mind!
- Don’t shy away from extras. As I mentioned, you can add so much to this garden salad recipe! Feel free to include your own personal favorites — you could even add some fresh fruit like berries or apples.
- Use a large bowl. It will make mixing a lot easier! There’s nothing worse than loading up all of your ingredients only to find that you don’t have room to toss your salad.
