If you’re searching for a vibrant, healthy side that comes together in minutes, look no further than this Simple Green Salad. With crisp, fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese or feta, every bite is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This beautiful salad brightens up any meal, and is so easy to toss together with whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Whether you dress it up for company or enjoy it on a busy weeknight, this Simple Green Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple doesn’t mean boring—each ingredient in the Simple Green Salad brings its own punch of flavor, crunch, or creaminess to the bowl. You’ll love how these basics come together into something truly fresh.
- Mixed greens or lettuce: The foundation for our Simple Green Salad, offering a crisp and refreshing crunch. Choose your favorites, from romaine to arugula or anything in between.
- English cucumber: Thin slices deliver a cool, satisfying snap to each forkful. If you’re using regular cucumber, peel it for a more delicate texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of flavor and vibrant color that make the salad extra appealing.
- Carrot: Shaved or sliced, it adds both slight sweetness and brilliant color without overpowering the mix.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, chopped avocado gives every bite of this salad a touch of luxury.
- Goat cheese or feta: A crumble of tangy cheese balances the freshness and ties all the flavors together—Parmesan is lovely, too, if you have it on hand!
- Homemade vinaigrette or dressing of choice: The finishing touch that brings the Simple Green Salad to life. Use whatever you love, whether it’s a classic vinaigrette or your own signature blend.
How to Make Simple Green Salad
Step 1: Layer the Base
Grab a large salad bowl and fill it with your choice of mixed greens or lettuce. Tear any large leaves into bite-size pieces—this makes it easy to eat and ensures each forkful has a great mix of textures. The greens are truly the star in the Simple Green Salad, so don’t be afraid to go big here!
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Color
Next, toss in the thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated or sliced carrots. Spread them evenly across your green base—these veggies boost both the flavor and the visual appeal, making the salad just as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle your chosen vinaigrette or salad dressing over the layered veggies. Start with a little; you can always add more, but nobody wants a soggy salad. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together until the leaves are lightly coated but not drenched.
Step 4: Finish with Creamy Accents
Right before serving, scatter in your chopped avocado and crumbled goat cheese (or feta). Gently toss just once or twice more, so these rich additions keep their shape and add pockets of deliciousness throughout the Simple Green Salad. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture—dig in and enjoy!
How to Serve Simple Green Salad
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts is a great way to add crunch and a hint of nutty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of fresh herbs—think chopped chives, dill, or basil—adds a gorgeous, fragrant lift right at the table. A few extra crumbles of cheese on top make every bowl look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
The Simple Green Salad plays well with just about everything! Set it alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetarian quiche for a balanced meal. It also makes a fantastic partner for a cozy pasta night, helping to balance rich sauces with fresh, bright flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a pretty presentation, serve the salad family-style on a large platter instead of mixing in a bowl. Layer slices of avocado, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and drizzle just a bit of dressing at the last minute. Individual salad bowls or jars work well for picnics and meal prep—just keep the dressing on the side until you’re ready to eat, so the Simple Green Salad stays crisp.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Simple Green Salad left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens may wilt a bit after dressing, but the flavors will meld for a tasty lunch the next day. If you anticipate leftovers, set aside some undressed salad to keep things extra fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the Simple Green Salad, as the fresh ingredients lose their texture and flavor after thawing. It’s best to enjoy everything crisp and cool, just as intended.
Reheating
Salad is happiest served cold or at room temperature! If you’ve stashed your Simple Green Salad in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off. There’s no need to heat anything—just toss, taste, and refresh with an extra splash of dressing if desired.
FAQs
Can I make Simple Green Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the greens, slice the veggies, and store them separately in the fridge up to a day before. Wait to add the avocado, cheese, and dressing until right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
What’s the best way to keep my salad from getting soggy?
The key is to dry your greens thoroughly after washing and only add dressing right before you serve. If you’re packing the Simple Green Salad for lunch, keep the dressing in a small container and toss just before eating.
Can I substitute the cheese or leave it out?
Of course! The salad is endlessly customizable. Goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan are all delicious, but you can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or add your favorite vegan alternative.
How do I choose the best greens for the Simple Green Salad?
Pick whatever you like best or have on hand. Romaine hearts are especially crunchy, while baby arugula adds a peppery bite. Mixed greens, spinach, and butter lettuce all make great bases, so experiment and find your favorite blend!
What proteins can I add to make this a main dish?
Try tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for extra staying power. Hard-boiled eggs or nuts like almonds and walnuts are also fantastic for a Simple Green Salad that’s hearty enough for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a Simple Green Salad from scratch, I hope you’re inspired to start tossing! This straightforward recipe is the perfect way to showcase fresh produce and makes every meal feel a little more special. Don’t be afraid to play around with your favorite ingredients—your ultimate salad awaits!
PrintSimple Green Salad Recipe
A delightful and easy recipe for a simple green salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and goat cheese. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mixed Greens:
6 cups loosely packed mixed greens or lettuce of choice, torn into bite-size pieces
English Cucumber:
1 small or ½ large English cucumber, thinly sliced
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Carrot:
1 small carrot, grated with a vegetable peeler (or sliced)
Avocado:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Goat Cheese:
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled, or crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan
Vinaigrette:
6 tablespoons homemade vinaigrette or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Greens: Put the mixed greens in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and carrot.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle on vinaigrette or dressing of choice gradually, tossing to mix until salad is dressed to your liking.
- Final Touch: Add the avocado and goat cheese, gently toss to combine, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Greens: You can use a variety of greens like romaine, arugula, and spinach.
- Make Ahead: You can partially assemble the salad a day ahead, but add avocado, cheese, and dressing just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 151 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 86mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
