Basil Garden Salad
A fresh and vibrant garden salad featuring crisp lettuces, aromatic basil, and a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for summer meals.
Ingredients
- 2 c. torn leaf lettuce ⓘ
- 1 c. torn Bibb lettuce ⓘ
- 3 green onions with tops, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 6 fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 9 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt, optional ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar, optional ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss the torn leaf lettuce, Bibb lettuce, sliced green onions, diced tomato, sliced mushrooms, and sliced basil in a large salad bowl.
- Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, pepper, salt (if using), and sugar (if using) in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake the jar well to emulsify the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing. If you prefer a creamy dressing, substituting Greek yogurt for the oil can give a nice tang. Fresh mozzarella or crumbled feta can elevate this salad, adding richness. Feel free to substitute any greens you have on hand, like arugula or spinach, for a twist. Pairing with Wine-Marinated Mushrooms And Olives adds a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This Basil Garden Salad is a fantastic stand-alone dish but can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Or Grilled Potatoes for a hearty side. For a Mediterranean flair, complement it with Greek French Bread. Consider adding a protein like chickpeas or tofu for a fulfilling vegan option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens crisp, consider storing the dressing separately and only dressing the salad right before serving. If you have leftover dressing, it can be refrigerated for up to a week and used on other salads or as a marinade.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Garden Salad contains roughly 192 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1867mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance, it's best to toss the salad with dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh. You can chop the veggies and store them separately in the fridge, then combine them when you're ready to eat.
What can I substitute for basil if I don't have any?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you could use fresh parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Dried herbs can also work in a pinch; just use about a third of the amount since they are more concentrated in flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the oil and vinegar you use are vegan-friendly. You can also add additional plant-based proteins like black beans or tofu to enhance the nutritional value, making it a complete meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).