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.
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
- Choose your dressing from the list above (though if you have a go-to homemade or store bought dressing that's okay too!).
- Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk *or* add dressing ingredients to a mason jar and shake well to mix.
- Let's get our veggie on! Clean and chop lettuce or snag a bag of your favorite chopped/washed lettuce.
- Slice and quarter Roma tomato(es) and thinly slice cucumber. I usually peel traditonal cucumber or leave the skin on English/seedless cucumber.
- Freshly shred/grate carrots or use pre-shredded here. Thinly slice or mince red onion.
- Combine veggies croutons, and optional cheese in a big bowl and mix it all up.
- rWhisk or shake dressing once more and dip a lettuce leaf in to taste. Adjust seasoning/ingredients to taste if desired
- 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
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.