Garden Fresh Mixed Greens

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightfully fresh and simple salad recipe: Garden Fresh Mixed Greens. This vibrant dish celebrates the best of seasonal produce, offering a crisp and refreshing experience in every bite. Perfect for those days when you crave something light and nourishing!

Ingredients for Garden Fresh Mixed Greens

The star of this salad is truly the mixed lettuce greens, giving us a base that's both tender and crisp. Next, we have the buttery avocado which brings a creamy contrast. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while the cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. A bit of red onion provides a sharp bite, and the carrots bring a hint of sweetness and color. For the dressing, fresh lemon juice and olive oil create a light, zesty coating that ties everything together beautifully. Seasoning with salt and pepper is essential to enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent your avocado from browning, cut it right before serving.
  • Use a mandoline for the onions if you want super-thin slices without the tears.
  • Chill your salad bowl in the fridge before assembling to keep everything extra crisp.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal. It's also lovely on its own with a slice of crusty bread to mop up any extra dressing. If you're hosting, consider serving it alongside a cheese platter to complement the fresh flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the veggies ahead, but avoid adding the avocado and dressing until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you're out of lemons, a splash of white wine vinegar can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions for extra protein.

Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Recipe Walkthrough

First, take your mixed lettuce greens and give them a good wash. It's always a good idea to dry them thoroughly, so they don't turn your salad soggy. Use a salad spinner if you have one, and if not, a clean kitchen towel will do the trick. Once dry, toss them into your largest salad bowl.

Next up, let's add the rest of the veggies. Scatter the sliced avocado over the greens — don't worry if they mush a bit, it all adds to the creaminess. Follow this with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Finally, sprinkle the shredded carrots over the top to add some vibrant color.

For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Once combined, drizzle this dressing over your salad, and give everything a gentle toss with salad tongs or clean hands. Be careful not to crush the delicate greens.

Serve immediately, and enjoy the fresh flavors that this salad has to offer. It's a wonderful side or can easily stand alone as a satisfying, light meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing crunch and texture from fresh veggies.
  • Quick to prepare — ready in just 10 minutes!
  • Versatile as a side dish or a standalone meal.
  • Loaded with healthy fats, thanks to the creamy avocado.

Ingredients

4 cups mixed lettuce greens
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Wash and dry the mixed lettuce greens, then place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded carrots to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light meal.

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