How to Make a Simple Side Salad

Get ready because today we’re learning How to Make a Simple Side Salad! This dish is fantastic for any occasion – be it a casual picnic, an elegant dinner party or just a laid-back weeknight dinner. This salad is crisp, fresh, and packed with flavor that will tickle your tastebuds in delight. Trust me, once you make it, you’re gonna love it!

What’s great about a Simple Side Salad is that it’s quick to prepare, but bound to impress every time. Ready in just 15 minutes, and serves four as a side. Believe me when I say, this salad is not just a sidekick; it can very well be the star of your meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 large bowl of salad

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of making this vibrant salad!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 large head of lettuce
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, quartered
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

You will also need a cutting board, chef’s knife, and a large mixing bowl.

Cucumbers are great for hydrating because it’s mostly water. Tomatoes give a sweet burst of flavor in contrast with the bite from the onions, while the olive oil and vinegar create a simple but delightful vinaigrette. Feel free to substitute any of the veggies with your favorites!

How To Make a Simple Side Salad

1. Start by washing the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion thoroughly. Remember, clean ingredients are just as important as fresh ones.
2. Chop your lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
3. Add your sliced cucumber, quartered tomatoes and thinly sliced onion to the bowl.
4. In a separate smaller bowl, combine your olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk them together until well combined.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until all the veggie pieces are coated.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use freshest ingredients you can find for a more vibrant flavor.
• Make the vinaigrette right before you dress the salad, for best flavor.

Storage Tips

• Keep the salad refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Best to keep dressing and veggies separately if not consumed immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I add some protein to this salad?

A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken or even tofu can be a great addition.

Q: What other dressings can I use?

A: Honey mustard, caesar or even a simple lemon vinaigrette would be excellent.

Q: Can I use iceberg lettuce instead?

A: Sure, you can use any lettuce you like or have on hand.

Q: How do I store leftover salad?

A: Store the veggies and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Q: Is this salad keto-friendly?

A: Yes, this simple side salad is low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet.

Nutritional Facts of a Simple Side Salad

This salad, per serving, contains about 120 calories, 10g of fat, 7g of carbs, 2g of protein, 2g of sugar and 3g of fiber.

I have to say, this Simple Side Salad is a complete winner in my book. It’s not only colorful and delectable but also super versatile. Serve it up alongside a grilled steak or with a bowl of soup for a light lunch. Trust me, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this salad! Dig in and enjoy!