Introducing our mouthwatering recipe for a garden salad loaded with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese!
This refreshing and nutrient-packed salad is a celebration of summer flavors, featuring a colorful medley of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and more. Topped with tangy feta cheese and dressed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this salad is a true delight for your taste buds.
Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, this garden salad is the perfect choice to satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
Let's dive into the recipe and elevate your summer dining experience!
Why Should You Try Our Garden Salad Recipe?
Oh man, I could go on about the many reasons why you should choose this garden salad recipe for your summer dinner!
First and foremost, it's incredibly refreshing and packed with vibrant vegetables that are at their peak during the summer season.
Not only will you be treating your taste buds to a burst of flavors, but you'll also be nourishing your body with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The combination of crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and other colorful veggies provides a satisfying and wholesome eating experience.
Additionally, the tangy feta cheese adds a delightful creaminess and a hint of saltiness to the salad, complementing the fresh flavors perfectly. It brings a satisfying richness to the dish without overpowering the natural taste of the vegetables.
And let's not forget about the zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it adds a burst of flavor and enhances the overall enjoyment of the salad.
Not only is this garden salad delicious and nutritious, but it's also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal for a light and refreshing dinner or serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it based on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out any ingredients to make it your own.
Choosing this garden salad recipe for your summer dinner means enjoying a refreshing, nutritious, and versatile dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season.
It's a simple yet satisfying option that will leave you feeling nourished and energized. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Ingredients You Will Need:
To make our garden salad loaded with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh salad greens (such as lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens)
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Red onion
Bell peppers (any color you prefer)
Carrots
Radishes
Feta cheese
Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or dill) for garnish (optional)
For the homemade dressing, you will need:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Honey (or maple syrup as a vegan alternative)
Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the quantities of each ingredient based on the number of servings you wish to make and your personal taste preferences.
*Also, keep in mind that you can customize the salad by adding or substituting other vegetables of your choice.*
Kitchen Equipment You Will Need:
To prepare the garden salad loaded with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese, you will need the following kitchen equipment:
Mixing bowl: Use a large mixing bowl to toss the salad ingredients and combine the dressing.
Whisk or fork: You'll need a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients for the homemade dressing until well combined.
Salad tongs or serving utensils: These are handy for tossing and serving the salad.
Knife and cutting board: You'll need these to chop and slice the vegetables and feta cheese.
Salad spinner (optional): If you prefer your salad greens to be dry, a salad spinner can be useful to remove excess water after washing.
Serving plate or bowl: Choose a large plate or bowl to showcase your beautiful and delicious garden salad.
Having these basic kitchen tools on hand will help you efficiently prepare and serve your refreshing summer salad.
Garden Salad Recipe
Cook Time: none
Prep Time: about 15 - 20 minutes
Servings: about 4
Ingredients:
4 cups mixed salad greens (such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large Mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Sprinkle the fresh parsley on top of the salad as a garnish.
Serve the garden salad immediately as a refreshing and nutritious side dish or as a light meal on its own.
Note: Feel free to customize your garden salad by adding or substituting your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, or avocado. You can also add a protein source like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling option. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delicious garden salad!
Nutrition:
The nutritional information for the garden salad loaded with vibrant vegetables and tangy feta cheese may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, here is a general breakdown of the nutritional components:
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories per serving.
Fat: Varies depending on the amount of feta cheese and dressing used. On average, it can range from 10-15 grams of fat per serving.
Carbohydrates: Around 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from vegetables.
Protein: Approximately 5-8 grams of protein per serving, mainly from the feta cheese and any added protein sources.
Fiber: Rich in dietary fiber from the assortment of vegetables, with approximately 3-5 grams per serving.
Vitamins and Minerals: The salad provides a good amount of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.
*Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
*It's always recommended to calculate the exact nutritional information based on the ingredients you use and any modifications you make to the recipe.
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