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Simple Side Salad Recipe
5 from 24 votes

Simple Side Salad Recipe

This Simple Side Salad combines fresh lettuce, Roma tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with a choice of homemade Italian, Greek, or Balsamic dressing. The salad balances crisp vegetables with crunchy croutons and a flavorful dressing, making it a versatile side dish that complements many meals. The variety of dressings allows for different flavor profiles, from tangy and herbaceous to sweet and robust.

Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 178 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 5 oz lettuce a 5 ounce bag or 3-4 cups, chopped
  • 1-2 Roma tomato
  • ½ cucumber
  • ½ cup carrot shredded
  • ¼-⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1-2 cups croutons (freshly made or store bought)
  • ¼-⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese or crumbled feta (optional, grated
ITALIAN DRESSING
  • 3 TBSP olive oil quality
  • 1 TBSP white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend (I love using Mrs. Dash’s salt-free blend)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt or season to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
GREEK DRESSING
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil, quality
  • 2 TBSP red wine vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp parsley or 1 tsp fresh, dried
  • ½ tsp garlic powder or one super small clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp oregano dried
  • ¼ tsp basil dried
  • ⅛-¼ tsp salt
  • ⅛-¼ tsp black pepper
BALSAMIC DRESSING
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil, quality
  • 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar plus extra to taste
  • ½-1 TBSP red wine vinegar
  • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp honey or sweetener or choice if vegan
  • 1 garlic minced, small clove
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

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  1. Choose your dressing from the list above (though if you have a go-to homemade or store bought dressing that's okay too!).
  2. Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk *or* add dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake well to mix.
  3. Let's get our veggie on! Clean and chop lettuce or snag a bag of your favorite chopped/washed lettuce.
  4. Slice and quarter Roma tomato(es) and thinly slice cucumber. I usually peel traditonal cucumber or leave the skin on English/seedless cucumber.
  5. Freshly shred/grate carrots or use pre-shredded here. Thinly slice or mince red onion.
  6. Combine veggies croutons, and optional cheese in a big bowl and mix it all up.
  7. rWhisk or shake dressing once more and dip a lettuce leaf in to taste. Adjust seasoning/ingredients to taste if desired
  8. Pour half the dressing over the salad before serving. Toss to combine and serve with remainig dressing for each person to add their ideal amount to their salad. Enjoy!

Notes

  • This salad can be customized by adding vegetables like pepperoncini, olives, banana peppers, or broccoli.
  • Dressings can be varied or substituted with store-bought options if preferred.
  • Use freshly made or store-bought croutons depending on availability and preference.
  • Nutrition information varies with choice of dressing and additions; adjust accordingly.

Nutrition Information

Calories 178kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 6mg (2%) Sodium 331mg (14%) Potassium 232mg (5%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 5507IU (110%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 105mg (11%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 178

% Daily Value*

Calories 178kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 331mg 14%
Potassium 232mg 5%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 5507IU 110%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 105mg 11%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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