In the realm of refreshing and vibrant summer salads, this recipe stands out as a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures. It features a medley of crisp romaine lettuce, succulent cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, crunchy carrots, and red onions, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The zesty vinaigrette, made with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper, perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This salad is not only a delightful treat for your taste buds but also a visual masterpiece, sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Additionally, the article includes variations of this versatile salad, such as adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal, or incorporating fresh herbs like basil or mint for an extra layer of aromatic complexity. With its ease of preparation and customizable options, this summer salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a healthy, delicious, and visually appealing dish to brighten up their summer table.
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LEMON VINAIGRETTE
This easy lemon vinaigrette recipe is a great one to have in your back pocket. It's delicious and versatile - perfect for tossing with salads, roasted vegetables, and more!
Provided by Jeanine Donofrio
Categories Component
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey, if using.
- Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine.
- If your dressing is too tangy, add more olive oil, to taste.
- Add the thyme, if desired, and season to taste. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. The olive oil will solidify a bit in the fridge. To soften, let the dressing sit at room temp for a few minutes and stir before using.
CHOPPED SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
Chopped salad is a easy, tasty salad recipe perfect for Summer eating. It's great for emptying the fridge and is perfect for effortless entertaining. Vegetarian, gluten-free and low carb too!
Provided by Alida Ryder
Categories Gluten free Low Carb Salad Side Dish Summer Vegetarian
Time 10m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Chop the cucumber, tomatoes, onion and feta into small cubes and combine in a bowl.
- To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- When you are ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
- Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 183 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 29 mg, Sodium 375 mg, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ITALIAN SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
For an Italian twist on salad, I mix greens with red onion, mushrooms, olives, pepperoncini, lemon juice and Italian seasoning. Add tomatoes and carrots if you like. -Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings (1/2 cup vinaigrette).
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; toss lightly. If desired, add toppings., In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients until blended. Serve with salad.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 calories, Fat 11g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 343mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by washing and prepping your salad ingredients in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your salad. Opt for fresh, seasonal produce whenever possible.
- Make Your Own Vinaigrette: A homemade vinaigrette is easy to make and much tastier than store-bought dressings. Experiment with different vinegars and oils to find your favorite combination.
- Don't Overdress: A light dressing will allow the flavors of the salad to shine through. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more if needed.
- Add Some Crunch: Incorporating crunchy elements like nuts, seeds, or croutons will add texture and interest to your salad.
- Serve Immediately: Salads are best enjoyed fresh. Once dressed, serve them immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant flavors, refreshing ingredients, and endless variations, the summer salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect dish to enjoy during the warm weather months. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a flavorful addition to your next barbecue, this salad is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, whip up a zesty lemon vinaigrette, and indulge in a delicious and nutritious summer treat.
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