Tossed Green Salad

This Tossed Green Salad is such a fantastic addition to any meal, and it’s so easy to whip up! Imagine a beautiful bowl filled with crisp greens and colorful veggies, tossed together and coated in a zesty dressing that sings with flavor. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just looking for a light lunch option, this salad is sure to impress. Not to mention, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in those essential nutrients without feeling like you’re eating rabbit food. Freshness takes center stage, and each bite is a reminder of how delicious healthy eating can truly be. So, grab your apron, and let’s get ready to toss together something wonderful!

Why You’ll Love This Tossed Green Salad

This Tossed Green Salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that bring joy to any meal. With crisp vegetables and a homemade vinaigrette that elevates the taste, this salad is perfect for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply looking for a healthy addition to your dinner, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. The combination of textures and tastes makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. You’ll find that it’s not just food; it’s an experience that brightens your meal. Plus, who doesn’t feel great about adding a splash of color to their table?

What is a Tossed Green Salad

A Tossed Green Salad is a simple yet delightful mix of fresh greens and various vegetables, all brought together with a zesty dressing. Unlike elaborate salads, this one focuses on the essentials, making it versatile and easy to prepare. It serves as a light accompaniment or a satisfying standalone dish, appealing to those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. This salad is meant to be fun, allowing you to use whatever fresh produce you have on hand, and that’s part of the charm! Tossing it all together creates a vibrant canvas of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Tossed Green Salad:

• 4-5 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

You may already have a lot of these ingredients lurking in your fridge. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy!

Making the Dressing

Combine Dressing Ingredients

To kick things off, grab a mason jar. In it, combine the olive oil, red wine vinaigrette, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, honey, salt, and black pepper. Don’t forget to secure the lid tightly! Give it a good shake until all the ingredients are well-blended. It’s that easy! This dressing packs a punch and transforms your Tossed Green Salad into something special.

Set Aside Dressing

After thoroughly mixing, set the dressing aside. Letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste that you’ll truly enjoy. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Assembling the Salad

Arrange the Greens

In a large bowl, take your chopped romaine lettuce (or preferred greens) and lay it down as the foundation. This fresh base will hold all your lovely ingredients, making every bite a mix of delightful textures.

Add Vegetables

Now, it’s time to layer on the goodness. Sprinkle the chopped red onion, add the sliced English cucumber, toss in the halved grape tomatoes, and finish with the shredded carrots. Each layer adds its own crunchy texture and flavor, making your Tossed Green Salad incredibly appealing.

Dress the Salad

Next comes the fun part. Pour about 1/4 of your homemade dressing over the arranged salad. With clean hands or a salad fork, gently toss the ingredients to coat them evenly with the dressing. You want to ensure every piece gets a taste of that delicious flavor!

Serve with Extra Dressing

Finally, consider offering additional dressing on the side. This way, guests can personalize their salads with a little more flavor if they prefer. It’s a nice touch, ensuring everyone enjoys their salad just the way they like it.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this Tossed Green Salad as a refreshing side with grilled chicken, fish, or as a light lunch option paired with whole-grain bread. It’s a fantastic companion for summer picnics and potlucks, sure to impress your guests. Remember, the colorful presentation makes it a conversation starter, adding a cheerful touch to any table setting.

Tips for Success

1. Fresh Ingredients: The success of this salad largely depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Choose vibrant and crisp vegetables for the best taste.

2. Customize: Feel free to add nuts or seeds for crunch, or include some cheese like feta or goat cheese for creaminess. Each addition can change the flavor profile completely!

3. Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Combine the salad just before serving for maximum freshness. This saves time and keeps everything crunchy!

Variations

1. Fruit Addition: Toss in some sliced strawberries or apples for a fruity twist that complements the greens beautifully.

2. Add Protein: Consider adding chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs to make this salad a more filling meal. These options bring richness and sustenance.

3. Different Greens: Experiment with mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for different flavor profiles. Every combination can create a new salad experience!

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite store-bought dressing, but homemade adds a personal touch and flavor that store-bought just can’t match.

2. How can I store leftover salad?
To maintain freshness, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the veggies stay crisp!

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and store them; just combine them with the dressing when you’re ready to eat for a quick meal.

4. What’s the best way to chop romaine lettuce?
Rinse the leaves first, then stack them, roll them up, and slice into bite-sized pieces for an even chop that’s easy to handle.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure the vinaigrette is vegan-friendly. It’s all about making it work for your dietary needs!

This Tossed Green Salad is a celebration of freshness and flavor, creating an enjoyable meal whether shared with loved ones or savored on your own. The versatility and ease of preparation make it a staple in any kitchen, encouraging everyone to embrace healthy eating without missing out on flavor. Customize it to your satisfaction and relish the bountiful burst of freshness in every bite! Enjoy your salad adventures!

More Easy Salads & Sides Recipes:

• Mango Salad with Spinach and Blueberries
• Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Julia Child’s Caesar Salad
• Vegan Greek Salad

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Tossed Green Salad

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This Tossed Green Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh greens and colorful vegetables. With a zesty dressing, it’s a healthy, satisfying option for any meal.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well.
• Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
• Arrange chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
• Layer on red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and shredded carrots.
• Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
• Serve with extra dressing on the side for personal preference.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Customize with nuts, seeds, or cheese for added texture.
Prepare the dressing in advance to save time.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg