The Easiest Garden Salad Recipe (Healthy and Delicious!)

This Garden Salad recipe is an incredibly a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a variety of fresh and colorful vegetables, this salad is a true feast for the eyes and the taste buds. 

For our family, it isn’t truly summer till we’ve had this delicious salad! It’s seriously a family tradition, and I’m sure you’re going to love it just as much if not more!

The crispness of the lettuce, the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, and the crunch of the carrots all come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Topped with a homemade dressing that’s both tangy and healthy, this salad is sure to impress.

What’s best is that you can even prep this salad ahead of time. Simply chop all your veggies, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for a few hours! Now that part of your meal is covered and done! And you’ll be happy to know all the fresh garden veggies your family is having that you can know and trust.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your main course or a light lunch to enjoy on a sunny day, this Garden Salad is the perfect choice.

Want to learn how to make this garden salad recipe? Then keep on reading. 

What is a Garden Salad?

Garden salad is a dish consisting of a variety of fresh vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and onions, mixed together in a bowl and typically served with a dressing. 

It’s a healthy and nutritious dish that provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vegetables in a garden salad are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the different colors and textures of the vegetables provide a vibrant and appealing visual appeal to the dish. 

Garden salad is a great option for those looking for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish to complement a main course.

What Makes This Garden Salad Recipe Special?

Versatile: This Garden Salad recipe is extremely versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences, making it easy to customize for picky eaters.

Easy: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Delicious: The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and fresh flavors make this salad incredibly delicious. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Healthy: This salad is packed with nutritious ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.

Budget-friendly: This Garden Salad recipe is an affordable and budget-friendly option, making it perfect for those on a tight budget. It’s a great way to eat healthy without breaking the bank.

What You Need to Make Garden Salad at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this garden salad recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For the Salad:

• Red/pink tomatoes: We’ll be using some red/pink tomatoes in this recipe. They’ll be adding a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad, making it even more delicious. 
• Yellow tomatoes: You’ll need some yellow tomatoes for this recipe. They’ll be providing a slightly tangy and acidic flavor to the salad, balancing out the sweetness of the red/pink tomatoes. 
• Purple onion: We’ll also be using some purple onion in this recipe. It’ll be adding a sharp and pungent flavor to the salad, making it more robust and flavourful. 
• Cucumbers: You’ll need some cucumbers for this recipe. They’ll be adding a refreshing and crisp texture to the salad, making it even more delightful to eat. 
• Dill: We’ll be using some dill in this recipe. It’ll be adding a herbaceous and slightly floral flavor to the salad, elevating its taste and aroma. 

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil: You’ll also need some olive oil for this recipe. It’ll be providing a smooth and rich mouthfeel to the salad, making it more satiating. 
• Sea salt: We’ll be adding some sea salt to this recipe. It’ll be enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients and provide a balanced taste to the salad. 
• Black ground pepper: We’ll also be using some black ground pepper in this recipe. It’ll be adding a subtle heat and spiciness to the salad, making it more interesting. 
• Lemon juice: Finally, you’ll need some lemon juice for this recipe. It’ll be providing a zesty and tangy flavor to the salad, tying all the ingredients together.

How to Make Garden Salad (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible garden salad is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

To make this delicious cucumber and tomato salad, start by rinsing the cucumbers, tomatoes, and purple onion thoroughly. Once they are clean, slice them into thin pieces using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.

Next, take a large salad bowl and place all the sliced vegetables into it. To add some flavor, chop some fresh dill and sprinkle it over the vegetables. Be sure to mix everything well so that the dill is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Now, it’s time to add some seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the salad and mix it well. Remember to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, as you can always add more later if needed.

TIP: Add seasoning and dressing to the vegetables immediately before serving the salad, or it will water too much. It would still be very delicious, just not as presentable.

To add some tanginess to the salad, drizzle some olive oil or avocado oil over the vegetables. Then, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the vegetables. The amount of oil and lemon juice you use will depend on your personal preferences, so feel free to adjust accordingly.

Finally, mix all the vegetables together until they are well-coated with the seasoning and dressing.

Your delicious Garden Salad is now ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Best Garden Salad Ever

Choosing Fresh Produce: For the best Garden Salad, select fresh, crisp, and ripe vegetables. Choose vegetables that are in season and avoid those that are bruised or wilted.

Preparing the Vegetables: Wash and dry the vegetables before using them. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. If you want to add fruits to the salad, make sure they are ripe and sweet.

Dressing the Salad: To avoid making the salad soggy, dress it just before serving. 

Adding Crunch: Add some crunch to your Garden Salad by adding nuts, seeds, or croutons. These will add texture and flavor to your salad. You can also add some cheese for extra flavor.

Balancing Flavors: Make sure your Garden Salad is well balanced. It should have a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. Use ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes to add a tangy taste to the salad.

Serving Suggestions for Garden Salad

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete and satisfying meal. The protein will give you the energy boost you need and make it more filling.
• Top it with croutons or nuts for some added crunch. This will give the salad some texture and make it more interesting to eat.
• Serve it with a side of bread or crackers for a more substantial meal. This will provide some carbs to keep you fuller for longer.
• Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or olive oil over the top for some extra flavor. This will give the salad a tangy and delicious taste.
• Add some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or mandarin oranges, for a sweet and refreshing twist. This will make the salad more colorful and add some natural sweetness.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Garden Salad

This delicious garden salad recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy Mediterranean flavor.

Tex-Mex Delight: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a spicy Tex-Mex twist.

Asian Fusion: Add sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and a sesame ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired flavor.

Berry Bliss: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a raspberry vinaigrette for a sweet and refreshing twist.

Caesar Upgrade: Add grilled chicken, croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing for a more filling and indulgent version of the classic Garden Salad.

To store leftovers of this Garden Salad recipe, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before consuming, allow the salad to come to room temperature to enjoy its full flavor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add or substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can add or substitute any ingredients to your liking. Some suggestions include adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or grilled chicken for extra protein.

How long will the Garden Salad last?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance but do not combine them until ready to serve to keep the salad fresh.

How to Store Leftover Garden Salad

Do not freeze this salad as its ingredients, such as the cucumber, will become mushy and lose their crisp texture when thawed. 

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The Easiest Garden Salad Recipe (Healthy and Delicious!)

This Garden Salad features fresh veggies with the most delicious homemade dressing that's both healthy and tasty. It's the perfect way to have more veggies!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Total Time15 minutes mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Garden Salad

Servings: 6

Author: Valya of The Farm Girl Blog

Ingredients

Garden Salad Vegetable Ingredients

• 2 lbs. – red/pink tomatoes
• 2 lbs. – yellow tomatoes
• 1 medium – purple onion
• ¼ cup – chopped fresh dill

Garden Salad Dressing and Seasoning

• ¼ cup – olive oil
• ½ tsp. – lemon juice (squeezed from fresh lemon)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

How to Make Garden Salad

• To make this delicious cucumber and tomato salad, start by rinsing the cucumbers, tomatoes, and purple onion thoroughly. Once they are clean, slice them into thin pieces using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
• Next, take a large salad bowl and place all the sliced vegetables into it. To add some flavor, chop some fresh dill and sprinkle it over the vegetables. Be sure to mix everything well so that the dill is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
• Now, it’s time to add some seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the salad and mix it well. Remember to start with a small amount of salt and pepper, as you can always add more later if needed.
• To add some tanginess to the salad, drizzle some olive oil or avocado oil over the vegetables. Then, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the vegetables. The amount of oil and lemon juice you use will depend on your personal preferences, so feel free to adjust accordingly.
• Finally, mix all the vegetables together until they are well-coated with the seasoning and dressing.

Notes

Add seasoning and dressing to the vegetables immediately before serving the salad or it will water too much. It would still be very scrumptious, just not as presentable.

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