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–+ servings
Best Simple Side Salad

Best Simple Side Salad with Flavor-Packed Balsamic Vinaigrette

Discover the Best Simple Side Salad, a quick and customizable dish featuring vibrant vegetables and a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette, perfect alongside any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups Mixed Leafy Greens or Romaine Lettuce Any leafy greens can be swapped in for variety.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Slice and quarter it for easier eating.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Feel free to substitute with other tomato types.
  • ¼ medium Red Onion Consider using green onions for a milder option.
  • ½ cup Kalamata Olives Black olives are a great alternative.
  • Feta Feta Leave it out for a dairy-free version or replace it with tofu or avocado.
For the Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Key ingredient for the salad.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adds a zesty kick.
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Salt Adjust seasoning to your taste.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Salad bowl
  • whisk
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Best Simple Side Salad
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl, add mixed leafy greens as the base. Add sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
  3. Gently toss the salad ingredients together. Drizzle half of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  4. Taste the salad, add more vinaigrette if desired, and serve on a platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness. Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences.

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