When it comes to refreshing, vibrant dishes, a Simple Green Salad is a timeless classic that deserves a spot at your table. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful blend of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly. With soft heads of lettuce, crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad brings a burst of freshness that is perfect as a side or a light meal on its own. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delightful dish!

Why This Simple Green Salad Stands Out

This Simple Green Salad stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of soft lettuce and crisp cucumbers creates a wonderful contrast in texture, while the addition of creamy avocado and savory Parmesan cheese elevates the flavors to another level. The lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, zesty finish that is sure to awaken your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredient Breakdown

To create this Simple Green Salad, gather the following ingredients:

2 small heads of soft lettuce (butter lettuce or similar)
1/2 recipe Lemon Vinaigrette
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1/2 cup microgreens
Flaky sea salt, optional
1/2 cup raw almonds
1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce)

Appliances & Accessories

To make your Simple Green Salad, you’ll need a few handy tools:

Salad bowl: A large bowl to mix and serve your salad.
Mandoline or sharp knife: For slicing cucumbers and avocado thinly.
Whisk: For combining the lemon vinaigrette ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step: Simple Green Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce

Start by washing and drying the soft lettuce. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. This gentle handling ensures the leaves remain crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity and seasoning according to your preference. This bright dressing will enhance the flavors of your salad beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Cucumbers

Thinly slice the Persian cucumber and scatter the slices over the lettuce. The refreshing crunch of cucumbers adds a wonderful element to the salad.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese and Pepitas

Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese and pepitas over the top of the salad. The nutty flavor of the pepitas complements the cheese perfectly.

Step 5: Slice the Avocado

Carefully slice the avocado and layer it on top of the salad. Its creaminess adds a rich texture that balances the other ingredients.

Step 6: Add Microgreens

Top the salad with microgreens for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. They provide a delicate crunch and a hint of earthiness.

Step 7: Finish with Almonds and Tamari

Finally, sprinkle the raw almonds over the salad and drizzle with tamari for a savory touch. If desired, add flaky sea salt for an extra flavor boost.

Step 8: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately and enjoy the freshness!

Variations for Dietary Needs

If you’re looking to customize your Simple Green Salad to suit various dietary preferences, consider the following variations:

Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
Nut-free: Leave out the almonds and replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
Gluten-free: Ensure all ingredients, especially the tamari, are certified gluten-free.
Low-carb: Skip the avocado and cheese for a lighter version of the salad.

Notes on Ingredients

When selecting your ingredients for the Simple Green Salad, freshness is key. Look for vibrant, crisp lettuce and firm cucumbers. For the best flavor, go with high-quality olive oil and fresh lemons for the vinaigrette. If you can, opt for locally sourced microgreens to support local farmers and get the freshest produce possible.

Parmesan cheese: Aged cheese adds depth; choose a good quality for the best results.
Pepitas: These can be toasted for added flavor if you prefer a deeper nuttiness.
Avocado: Make sure it is ripe but firm to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Simple Green Salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, if you want to prepare it in advance, here are some tips:

Store the lettuce and other ingredients separately until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
The lemon vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Once assembled, the salad is best consumed within a few hours to prevent wilting.

Next Up in Your Queue

Serve & Enjoy

Your Simple Green Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is not only a great addition to any meal but also serves as a delightful reminder of the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, each bite will transport you to a sunlit kitchen filled with vibrant flavors.

With its versatility, crunch, and creamy textures, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this Simple Green Salad today. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the goodness of nature on your plate!

Print Recipe Save it for later