Quick and Refreshing Summer Green Salad Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect dish to complement your warm-weather meals? This Quick and Refreshing Summer Green Salad Recipe is a must-try! Made with crisp summer greens, colorful veggies, and a delicious homemade summer salad dressing, this salad is both light and satisfying. Whether you’re searching for fresh summer salad side dishes to accompany your favorite meals or seeking tossed salad recipes that are simple and easy to prepare, this salad ticks all the boxes. It’s one of the best summer salads recipes that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Read more about Summer Green recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Green Salad

This salad is all about embracing the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season. It’s an excellent way to use up fresh vegetables from your garden or the farmers’ market. The combination of mixed greens, radishes, beets, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and toasted almonds makes it both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or as one of your go-to fresh summer salad side dishes. The summer salad dressing, made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and oregano, adds a tangy and zesty flavor that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.

Ingredients for Quick and Refreshing Summer Green Salad

To make this summer green salad, you will need:

• 8 cups mixed greens or any lettuce of your choice
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 small golden and/or red beets, shredded, or 1 large beet
• 2 baby cucumbers, peeled into ribbons or sliced
• 1 cup baby or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds, toasted

For the Red Wine Oregano Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Dijon or grainy mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/4 tsp coarse salt
• Ground pepper, a couple of turns from a pepper grinder

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Summer Green Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Begin by preparing all the fresh ingredients. Start with washing the summer greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to ensure they are completely dry. This is crucial for the dressing to adhere well to the greens. Next, slice the radishes thinly, shred the beets, peel the cucumbers into ribbons or slice them, and cut the tomatoes in half. Crumble the feta cheese and set it aside.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

To give this summer green salad a delightful crunch, toast the almonds. Chop the almonds into smaller pieces and place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning and toast them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Summer Salad Dressing

A good summer salad dressing can make all the difference. In this recipe, the dressing is a simple yet flavorful Red Wine Oregano Vinaigrette. To prepare, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried or fresh oregano, salt, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper in a mason jar or a container with a lid. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is emulsified. The tangy vinegar pairs beautifully with the fresh greens and the sweetness of the beets.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to assemble your summer green salad. Start by laying a base of summer greens in your serving bowls. Add all the toppings, including the sliced radishes, shredded beets, cucumber ribbons, halved tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the summer salad dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed. This salad can be served as a main course for two or as a side dish for four.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Summer Salads Recipes

• Keep the Dressing Separate Until Serving: To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, keep the summer salad dressing separate and only add it right before serving. This is especially important if you’re making this salad ahead of time or packing it for lunch.
• Add Protein for a Heartier Meal: If you want to turn this summer green salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source. Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas are excellent options that complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
• Customize with Your Favorite Veggies: This recipe is highly versatile. You can easily swap out or add any of your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, avocado, or roasted corn, to make it your own.
• Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or mint can enhance the flavor profile of this salad. Add a handful of chopped herbs to the salad mix for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Fresh Summer Salad Side Dishes

This summer green salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or fish. The light and refreshing flavors complement the smoky and savory notes of grilled dishes, making it one of the best fresh summer salad side dishes to serve at barbecues or family gatherings. Alternatively, you can enjoy this salad on its own as a light lunch or dinner.

Variations of Summer Green Salad

There are countless ways to customize this summer green salad to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Mediterranean-Inspired Salad: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist. Top with grilled halloumi cheese or feta for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fruit and Nut Salad: For a sweeter variation, add seasonal fruits like strawberries, peaches, or blueberries. Combine with nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Spicy Summer Salad: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Summer Green Salad: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep. To store, keep the salad ingredients and the summer salad dressing separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad ingredients will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, combine the ingredients in a large salad bowl, add the dressing, toss, and serve immediately.

Why This is One of the Best Summer Salads Recipes

There are many reasons why this summer green salad stands out as one of the best summer salads recipes. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. The combination of fresh veggies, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s highly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Conclusion

This Quick and Refreshing Summer Green Salad Recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for warm weather. With its fresh ingredients, flavorful summer salad dressing, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become one of your favorite fresh summer salad side dishes. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for your barbecue, or a simple meal to enjoy any day of the week, this summer green salad is a fantastic choice. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!