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!
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.
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.
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.