Pin by Warm & Hearty Eats on Homemade Recipes | Healthy Salad Recipes, Healthy Food Dishes, Healthy Recipes

A vibrant assortment of healthy salad recipes featuring fresh vegetables and ingredients.
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Why make this recipe

This homemade salad is not only healthy but also very easy to make. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat more greens and enjoy delicious flavors. You can whip it up quickly for a lunch or serve it as a side dish at dinner. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients!

How to make Homemade Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mixed greens (like spinach, kale, and arugula)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olives (black or green, optional)
  • Dressing of your choice (balsamic vinaigrette works great)

Directions:

  1. Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
  3. Layer in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots.
  4. If you are using olives and feta cheese, sprinkle them on top.
  5. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad.
  6. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
  7. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit.

How to serve Homemade Salad

You can serve this salad on its own as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also great to add to a picnic or potluck.

How to store Homemade Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat it. This will prevent the greens from getting soggy.

Tips to make Homemade Salad

  • Use any combination of vegetables you like. You can add avocado, radishes, or even cooked grains like quinoa.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the flavor.
  • For a protein boost, consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or hard-boiled eggs.

Variation

You can turn this salad into a grain bowl by adding cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice. This makes it more filling, perfect for a hearty lunch.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the dressing right before serving.

What dressing should I use?
Any dressing you like will work! Balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, or even a yogurt-based dressing are great options.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This salad recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Homemade Salad

This homemade salad is a healthy and delicious option that's quick to prepare and fully customizable with your favorite ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 cups mixed greens (like spinach, kale, and arugula) Use a combination of your favorite greens.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) Use for extra flavor.
  • 1/4 cup olives (black or green, optional)
  • Dressing of your choice (balsamic vinaigrette works great) Choose your favorite dressing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, add the mixed greens as the base.
  3. Layer in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots.
  4. If using olives and feta cheese, sprinkle them on top.
  5. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad.
  6. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients well.
  7. Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit.

Notes

You can serve this salad on its own as a light meal or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It's great for picnics or potlucks. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.

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Pro Chef & Blogger

My name is James Walker, and I’m the founder and lead recipe developer at Smile Food. With over 7 years of professional culinary experience, I’ve cooked in diverse kitchens, studied global cuisines, and developed a passion for making cooking accessible to everyone.

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