If there was ever a go-to recipe that could instantly brighten up any meal, the Best Simple Side Salad is it! Imagine crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool slices of cucumber, vibrant ribbons of carrot, and tangy red onion all coming together under a silky homemade vinaigrette. With feta for a punch of creamy flavor (if you like!), this salad lives up to its name for sheer freshness and pure ease. From weeknight dinners to celebrations, it always steals the show, and I promise you’ll look for excuses to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Best Simple Side Salad is truly effortless, and each one plays a special role in making the flavors pop. From crunch to color to irresistible dressing, here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Romaine Lettuce: Choose fresh, crisp leaves for that perfect crunch and sturdy texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness and juiciness add a burst of bright flavor and lovely color.
- Cucumber: Thin slices provide refreshing, juicy bites that balance the other vegetables.
- Red Onion: A little goes a long way; these give a zesty kick and gorgeous purple hue.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness, crunch, and that signature pop of orange.
- Feta Cheese (optional): Crumble in for a creamy, salty accent that pairs perfectly with the dressing.
- Olive Oil: Go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil to make your dressing shine.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy acidity lifts all the flavors and keeps the salad light.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch gives the dressing its sharp, complex finish.
- Honey: Balances out the vinaigrette with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season the salad to taste and let every ingredient sing.
How to Make Best Simple Side Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and shred the carrots. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembly quick—and ensures every forkful of your Best Simple Side Salad will have a little bit of everything!
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, add the romaine lettuce first, followed by the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and carrots. If you want a creamy, tangy boost, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top now. This colorful mix is already a feast for the eyes and the anticipation just might make your mouth water.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing looks glossy and thoroughly mixed. Taste it—you can adjust with a touch more vinegar or honey based on your preference for tang or sweetness.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Wait to add the dressing until you’re just about to serve. Drizzle it over the salad and gently toss until the leaves are evenly coated. This keeps the greens perfectly crisp and gives you that irresistible fresh flavor in every bite. Serve right away to truly experience all the goodness of your homemade Best Simple Side Salad!
How to Serve Best Simple Side Salad
Garnishes
Enhance your Best Simple Side Salad with simple garnishes that add flair and extra flavor. Try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a squeeze of lemon, a handful of croutons for crunch, or a few toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for an earthy twist. A little extra feta on top also gives a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak, tuck it next to homemade pizza, or let it balance richer pasta entrées. The Best Simple Side Salad fits in whether you’re hosting a Sunday roast or making a low-key weeknight supper.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can make the simplest salad an eye-catching centerpiece. Try layering ingredients in a clear glass bowl for vivid stripes of color, or arrange on individual plates with artful scatterings of feta and herbs. Mason jar salads are also fun for picnics or meal prep—just layer the dressing at the bottom for no-soggy-lettuce magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Best Simple Side Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the dressing separate until just before serving—this way the greens stay perky and fresh.
Freezing
Salads like this are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well, as the crisp-textured vegetables tend to become limp and watery after thawing. Stick to enjoying the Best Simple Side Salad within a few days of making it.
Reheating
No reheating required! Instead, simply toss refrigerated leftovers with a splash of fresh dressing or a few crisp greens to liven them up. If the salad seems a bit wilted, add new lettuce and toss again for instant freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute other greens for romaine?
Definitely! The Best Simple Side Salad is flexible—try mixed spring greens, baby spinach, or even arugula for a peppery bite. Just keep in mind that sturdier greens hold up better once dressed.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Easy swap: simply omit the feta cheese, and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey for the dressing. You’ll still get all the color, crunch, and flavor that makes this the Best Simple Side Salad!
What protein can I add to make it a main dish?
Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, chickpeas, or even a sliced boiled egg for extra staying power. The salad’s clean flavors pair well with so many proteins.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can chop and store the vegetables a day ahead, just keep them and the dressing separate. Toss everything together right before serving for maximum freshness.
Do I have to include the onions?
Red onion adds a lovely bite, but if you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute with green onion for something milder. The Best Simple Side Salad will still be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that brings out the best in seasonal vegetables and comes together in minutes, you honestly can’t go wrong with the Best Simple Side Salad. It’s as vibrant and fresh as it is foolproof. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and see how quickly it becomes your favorite side dish too!
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Best Simple Side Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Simple Side Salad is a quick and easy recipe that complements any main dish. Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing, topped with feta cheese for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Romaine Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, and feta cheese if using.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the romaine with mixed greens or baby spinach.
- For added crunch, toss in a handful of croutons or chopped nuts.
- This salad is highly versatile and pairs well with almost any main dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
