Name: Simple Green Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, or spinach); 1 cup cucumber, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh herbs such as parsley or chives (optional)

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I enjoy preparing a simple green salad when I want a fresh and light dish that pairs well with almost any meal. Crisp leafy greens combined with a light dressing create a refreshing salad that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. It’s a quick recipe that brings brightness and balance to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple while still feeling fresh and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, I can create a salad that complements a wide variety of dishes.

I also appreciate how flexible it is. I can easily adjust the greens, dressing, or toppings depending on what I have available. The result is always a light, crisp salad that adds freshness to any meal. Simple Green Salad

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, arugula, or spinach)
cucumber, sliced
cherry tomatoes, halved
olive oil
lemon juice or vinegar
salt
black pepper
fresh herbs such as parsley or chives (optional)

Directions

I begin by washing and drying the salad greens thoroughly so they stay crisp.

Next, I place the greens in a large bowl and add the sliced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes.

In a small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create a simple dressing.

I drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the greens are lightly coated.

Before serving, I sometimes sprinkle fresh herbs over the top for extra flavor and color.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add sliced avocado or toasted nuts to give the salad extra texture and richness.

Another variation I enjoy is adding thinly sliced red onion or radishes for a slightly sharper flavor.

When I want a more filling salad, I include ingredients like feta cheese, chickpeas, or grilled chicken.

storage/reheating

I prefer serving this salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing so the greens stay crisp.

If storing leftovers, I keep the greens and dressing separate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary. Simple Green Salad

FAQs

What greens work best for a simple salad?

I often use a mix of lettuce, arugula, or spinach because they provide different textures and flavors.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes wash and chop the ingredients in advance, but I add the dressing just before serving.

How do I keep the salad greens crisp?

I make sure the greens are thoroughly dried after washing and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

What dressing works best for green salad?

I like a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar because it keeps the flavors light and fresh.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, I sometimes add grilled chicken, tuna, beans, or boiled eggs to turn it into a more complete meal.

Conclusion

I enjoy making a simple green salad because it brings freshness and balance to any meal. With crisp greens, light dressing, and a few fresh vegetables, it becomes a quick and versatile dish that works well as a side or a light meal. It’s a recipe I often return to whenever I want something fresh, simple, and satisfying.