Are you tired of boring, bland side salads that put everyone to sleep? Get ready to revolutionize your meal with this incredibly simple yet mouth-watering Easy Side Salad with Lemon Dressing! In just 5 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, crisp salad that's packed with color, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe is your ticket to transforming an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the mixed greens under cool running water, using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Pat the greens dry to ensure crisp texture.
- Prepare the fresh vegetables by washing the bell peppers and red onion. Dice the bell peppers into uniform small cubes, approximately 1/4-inch in size. Slice the red onion into thin, translucent rings.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-incorporated dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, diced bell peppers, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss the ingredients lightly to distribute evenly.
- Drizzle the prepared lemon dressing over the salad, using a light hand to ensure even coating. Gently toss the salad again to make sure all ingredients are lightly dressed.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For added freshness, you can garnish with additional cracked black pepper or a small sprinkle of salt.
Tips
- Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest ingredients possible. Crisp greens and recently purchased vegetables will elevate your salad from good to spectacular.
- Dressing Technique: Drizzle the lemon dressing gradually and toss gently to ensure every leaf is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
- Prep Ahead: You can wash and chop vegetables up to a day in advance, storing them separately to maintain crispness.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad immediately after dressing to preserve the perfect texture and prevent wilting.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to make it your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
