Refreshing Garden Salad: The Perfect Summer Delight

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As the summer sun shines bright, there’s nothing more refreshing than a crisp and vibrant garden salad. This simple yet flavorful recipe captures the essence of the season, combining fresh, crunchy vegetables with a light and tangy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your summer barbecue or a light lunch that won’t weigh you down, this garden salad is an ideal choice. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, it’s a dish that celebrates the freshness of summer produce.

Ingredients:

Salad:

  • 1 bag of leafy greens (such as mixed greens, romaine, or spinach)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Start by washing the leafy greens thoroughly under cold water.
  • Drain them well or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
  • Next, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
  • Add all these vegetables to the bowl with the greens.

2. Make the Dressing:

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.

3. Dress the Salad:

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving.
  • Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

4. Serve Immediately:

  • Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates or keep it in the large bowl for family-style serving. For an added touch, you can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or sprinkle with a handful of toasted nuts or seeds.

Conclusion:

This garden salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty, offering a delicious and healthy option that’s both quick and easy to prepare. The crispness of the leafy greens, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the crunch of cucumbers are beautifully balanced by the tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at any summer gathering, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the freshness of summer with each and every bite!

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