Herbed Summer Salad
A vibrant and refreshing summer salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and green onions, all tossed in a tangy parsley vinaigrette. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this dish offers a balance of herbal freshness and acidity, making it a versatile addition to any warm-weather meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together salad oil, vinegar, snipped parsley, sliced green onions, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to make the dressing.
- Wash and slice the tomatoes, peel and slice the onion, and peel and slice the cucumber.
- Combine the sliced vegetables in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Adjust the amount of onion and cucumbers as desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For maximum flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes before using. If you don't have salad oil, olive oil is a great substitute. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste—try adding basil or dill. You can also swap in other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for variety. If you're looking to add protein, consider including chickpeas or diced grilled chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Herbed Summer Salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as part of a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Kabobs or Sauteed Zucchini. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa. Drizzle with additional dressing just before serving for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the vegetables from getting too soggy, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating, avoid microwaving as it can make the tomatoes mushy; instead, let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Summer Salad contains roughly 549 calories, with 48g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (268% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2451mg per serving (107% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance. However, it's best to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables. If you do mix them ahead of time, store in the refrigerator for no more than a few hours.
What can I substitute for tomatoes if they're out of season?
If tomatoes are out of season, consider using canned diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. You can also add in fruits like diced mango or peaches for a sweet twist, keeping the overall balance of flavors intact.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This Herbed Summer Salad is entirely vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great choice for a light, refreshing meal. You can also enhance its nutritional value by adding nuts or seeds for extra protein and crunch.
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).