Garden Tossed Salad
A vibrant, fresh garden tossed salad featuring crisp vegetables, tangy Feta cheese, and briny olives, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry chicory and/or red leaf lettuce.
- Slice cucumbers, sliver green peppers, chop green onions, chop celery hearts, halve mushrooms, and tear parsley into pieces.
- Mix all prepared vegetables and chill in the refrigerator.
- Just before serving, add salt to taste and a pinch of sugar.
- Dress the salad with oil and vinegar sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish with oil cured olives, crumbled Feta cheese, and sliced radishes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, use fresh ingredients and avoid over-mixing the salad. If you don't have Feta cheese, try using goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative. To enhance the flavors, consider adding some herbs like dill or oregano. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some artichokes or serve alongside Orzo With Pine Nuts And Feta Cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect companion for Grilled Halibut With Pesto. It also pairs wonderfully with a light soup or sandwich for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider adding some quinoa or chickpeas to the salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, add the dressing just before serving, as dressing can cause the greens to wilt. If you need to reheat any components, gently warm the vegetables in a skillet without overcooking them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Tossed Salad contains roughly 282 calories, with 18g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (142% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 905mg per serving (39% 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 add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! You can enhance the nutritional value by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp. These additions will make the salad more filling and suitable as a main dish.
What type of dressing works best?
A simple oil and vinegar dressing complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. You can also try a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty twist. Feel free to adjust the acidity based on your taste preferences.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat, to maintain the freshness of the greens. It can last in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a convenient option for busy lunches.
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).