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garden salad

Summer brings vibrant colors and fresh flavors to our tables. Nothing captures the season's essence like a garden salad. This healthy recipe celebrates crisp vegetables from local farms and backyard gardens.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 bell pepper any color, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup radishes thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
  • 1/4 cup olives optional
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Equipment
  • Cutting Board – For chopping and slicing the vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife – To cut and slice vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers.
  • Large Salad Bowl – To toss all the salad ingredients together.
  • Small Bowl – For preparing the salad dressing.
  • Whisk or Fork – To whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
  • Measuring Spoons – To measure out the dressing ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and mustard.
  • Vegetable Peeler – For peeling the carrot (if desired).
  • Tongs or Salad Servers – To toss the salad and mix the dressing into the greens.
  • Grater or Shredder (optional) – For shredding the carrot if you prefer finely shredded pieces instead of slices.
  • Colander or Salad Spinner – To wash and dry the salad greens and vegetables before assembling.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper. Shred the carrot and slice the radishes.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, carrot, red onion, bell pepper, and radishes. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (optional), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss to coat evenly.
  5. Optional Toppings: Add crumbled feta cheese and olives on top for extra flavor.
  6. Homemade Dressing Options
  7. A homemade dressing can make your salad stand out. Whether you prefer a simple vinaigrette or a creamy dressing, it can enhance the flavors of your veggies. Try different herbs and oils to create your own special dressing.
  8. Optional Protein Add-ins
  9. To add more substance to your salad, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled feta cheese can make it a filling meal. They also provide important nutrients.