Best 2 Basil Garden Salad Recipes

In the realm of summer salads, the Basil Garden Salad reigns supreme, offering a vibrant symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. With its verdant basil leaves, sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, and a symphony of other garden-fresh ingredients, this culinary masterpiece is a testament to the bounty of nature's harvest. The accompanying recipes in this article provide a delightful journey through variations of this classic salad, each with its unique twist to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Basil Garden Salad with its simple yet elegant dressing to the Mediterranean-inspired version featuring feta cheese and olives, and the tantalizing Grilled Vegetable Basil Salad with its smoky and charred flavors, this collection of recipes promises an unforgettable salad experience.

**Basil Garden Salad**

- A classic summer salad featuring fresh basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a tangy dressing.

**Mediterranean Basil Garden Salad**

- A twist on the classic with the addition of feta cheese, olives, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing.

**Grilled Vegetable Basil Salad**

- A smoky and flavorful salad made with grilled vegetables, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

**Asian Basil Garden Salad**

- An exotic take on the classic with Asian-inspired ingredients like rice noodles, shredded chicken, and a peanut dressing.

**Quinoa Basil Garden Salad**

- A protein-packed salad with quinoa, fresh basil, roasted vegetables, and a tangy tahini dressing.

**Basil Garden Salad with Berries**

- A refreshing and colorful salad with fresh basil, berries, goat cheese, and a honey-balsamic dressing.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BASIL GARDEN SALAD

Basil Garden Salad image

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow and adds flavor to many foods. In summer, I like to use it fresh in tossed salads like this.-Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups torn leaf lettuce
1 cup torn Bibb lettuce
3 green onions with tops, sliced
1 medium tomato, peeled and diced
6 fresh mushrooms, sliced
9 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, onions, tomato, mushrooms and basil. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, oil, pepper and salt and sugar if desired. Cover; shake well. Pour over the salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 78 calories, Fat 7g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 6mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

GARDEN VEGETABLE BASIL SALAD

Garden vegetable basil salad image

Everything in the garden can be added to this simple recipe. A great way to enjoy the bounties of produce! I was looking for a way to use some of my over abundant basil. The basil makes it different with so many recipes calling for parsley. A great tasting combination!

Provided by Deb Crane

Categories Other Salads

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 lb fresh green beans, snipped
1 ripe tomato, peeled and cut into wedges
1 small cucumber, sliced or diced
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 c fresh basil leaves, slivered (or 2 tablespoons dried)
2 Tbsp dijon mustard
1/3 c balsamic vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 c virgin olive oil
1 dresh corn on the cob, cut from the cob

Steps:

1. You can use any veges you like with this. This recipe was what I had on hand. Get creative with it and add everything you like!
2. Blanch the green beans until tender crisp.
3. Add all veges and basil together and toss to mix.
4. FOR THE DRESSING/MARINADE: Whisk together, mustard,vinegar and sugar. Add oil slowly, whisking until slightly thickened and well blended. Pour over veges and toss to coat well. Seal ans refrigerate until serving time.

Tips:

Selecting the Freshest Ingredients: Choose vibrant and aromatic basil leaves for the best flavor. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty touch, while high-quality olive oil enhances the salad's overall taste.
Chilling Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
Using a Variety of Basil: Experiment with different types of basil, such as Genovese, Thai, or Purple, to create unique flavor profiles. Each basil variety offers distinct aromatic notes that can transform the salad's character.
Adding Extra Toppings: Feel free to customize the salad with additional toppings like grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese. These additions can add protein, texture, and extra flavor dimensions.
Storing Leftovers Properly: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the basil leaves may wilt over time.

Conclusion:

The Basil Garden Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh basil. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy addition to a picnic spread, the Basil Garden Salad is sure to impress with its aromatic and delicious taste. Its nutritional value, ease of customization, and versatility make it a favorite among food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike.