Incorporating salads into your regular meals is a delicious and healthful way to ensure you get a variety of nutrients for optimal health. Experiment with different ingredients and dressings to keep your salads interesting and enjoyable. Here’s a simple and delicious Green Salad recipe that you can enjoy:
Ingredients:
- Salad:
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- 6 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or a mix)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
- Dressing:
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- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
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- Wash and chop the salad greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Toast the Nuts (Optional):
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- If using nuts, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
- Make the Dressing:
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- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
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- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Coat:
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- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Add Toasted Nuts (Optional):
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- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the salad.
- Serve:
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- Serve the green salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
- Enjoy:
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- Enjoy your crisp and flavorful Green Salad!
This versatile salad can be customized with your favorite greens, and you can also add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. Adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences, and feel free to get creative with additional toppings or herbs.
