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Fresh Garden Glow-Up Salad

Fresh Garden Glow-Up Salad - featured image
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A vibrant, fresh, and easy salad featuring a mix of garden-fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a healthy side or light meal that celebrates seasonal produce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine) (~120g)
  • 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumber recommended)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (basil, parsley, or dill; basil preferred)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds (35g) or toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel (about 5 minutes).
  2. Chop heirloom tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice cucumber and red onion, dice red bell pepper, and shred carrot using a grater or peeler (about 10 minutes).
  3. Finely chop about 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (basil or chosen herbs) to release aroma and flavor (2 minutes).
  4. Toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened (2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the greens, chopped vegetables, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Sprinkle toasted seeds and crumbled feta cheese on top. Toss gently to distribute without breaking them up.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch. If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Keep ingredients dry to avoid soggy salad. Toast seeds just before use for best flavor. Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste. For vegan version, omit feta and replace honey with maple syrup. Add lemon wedge before serving for extra brightness. Store veggies and greens separately from dressing if making ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh salad, garden salad, harvest salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, seasonal salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/fresh-garden-glow-up-salad-recipe-easy-vibrant-harvest-salad-ideas/