Classic Garden Salad

  A  Garden Salad is a fresh, simple mix of crisp vegetables, often served as a healthy side or light meal. It's versatile, colorful, and pairs well with any dressing.  

Ingredients (serves 4):  

Base Greens

- 5–6 cups  mixed greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach, or arugula)  

Vegetables (Choose Your Favorites):  

- 1 cup  cherry tomatoes, halved  

- 1/2  cucumber, sliced or diced  

- 1/2  red bell pepper, thinly sliced  

- 1/4  red onion, thinly sliced  

- 1  carrot , shredded or julienned  

- 1/2 cup  radishes, sliced (optional)  

- 1/4 cup  black olives  or  Kalamata olives (optional)  

Extras (Optional): 

- 1/2  avocado , diced  

- 1/4 cup  shredded cheese (cheddar, feta, or parmesan)  

- 1/4 cup  croutons   

- 2 tbsp  sunflower seeds  or  toasted nuts   

Dressing (Choose One):  

- Balsamic Vinaigrette 

- Ranch  

- Italian Dressing

- Lemon-Olive Oil (2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice + salt & pepper)  

Instructions:  

1. Wash & Prep – Rinse all veggies and greens thoroughly. Dry well (a salad spinner helps).  

2. Chop & Combine – Tear or chop greens into bite-sized pieces. Add veggies to a large bowl.  

3. Add Extras – Top with cheese, avocado, nuts, or croutons if using.  

4. Dress & Toss – Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss lightly.  

Tips:  

- For  meal prep, keep dressing separate until ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.  

- Add  grilled chicken , hard-boiled eggs, or  chickpeas to make it a full meal.  

- Swap in seasonal veggies like corn, zucchini, or  snap peas  for variety.  

A Garden Salad is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, crunchy veggies—endlessly customizable!