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easy side salad recipe

easy side salad recipe

The Easy Side Salad recipe is a perfect add-on to any meal – it’s incredibly simple and goes with just about anything!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

easy side salad

  • 5 cups mixed greens or chopped lettuce or kale
  • 1 whole cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped - about 3 ribs
  • 1/2 cup carrots, chopped - can use baby carrots, whole carrots or shredded carrots
  • 1 1/2 cups Roma tomatoes, sliced - or cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1-2 cups croutons, to garnish (optional)
  • 3/4 cup nuts/seeds of choice, to garnish (optional)
  • Balsamic dressing, or any vinaigrette of choice

Balsamic Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning spice
  • salt and pepper - to taste (optional)

Instructions

Salad recipe

  • To a salad spinner or large container, add 5 cups greens of choice, sliced cucumber, 1 cup celery, 1/2 cup carrots and 1 1/2 cup tomatoes. Toss everything to combine and mix well.
  • Toss with dressing and garnish with croutons, nuts or seeds, and olives, if using.
  • If eating salad as leftovers, wait to toss with dressing and any optional garnish (croutons, olives, etc) until ready to eat.

Balsamic Dressing

  • Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning together in a bowl (or shake together in a jar with a lid, such as a mason jar) until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired. Can be made in advance and will keep for one-week, refrigerated.

Notes

HOW TO STORE:
The recipe below will make approximately 6-servings as a side salad. This is perfect for a family of six, or a side to enjoy for 2-3 days.
  1. Using a salad spinner (this is mine – so inexpensive!) or other large plastic container, line the bottom with a paper towel. This will help avoid excess moisture, which can make your salad sad and soggy. 
  2. Wait to add any croutons, nuts/seeds and dressing until you’re ready to serve.
 
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