Dessert

Best Simple Side Salad Recipe

Name: Best Simple Side Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 5 oz container mixed leafy greens or Romaine lettuce; 1/2 cucumber, sliced and quartered (approximately 3/4 cup); 1/2 – 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced and halved; 1/4 – 1/2 cup kalamata olives (black olives can be substituted); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Garlic powder, a pinch or to taste; Salt, a pinch or to taste

BySimon Carel December 25, 2025December 25, 2025

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Introduction

This Best Simple Side Salad is a fresh, colorful mix perfect for any meal. With crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A fresh salad on a white oval plate with mixed green and purple lettuce leaves as the base layer, topped with bright red cherry tomato halves scattered evenly, sliced avocado pieces adding a soft green contrast, thin slices of purple onion spread across the salad, small black olives nestled throughout, and small white chunks of feta cheese sprinkled on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (5 oz) container mixed leafy greens or Romaine lettuce
1/2 cucumber, sliced and quartered (approximately 3/4 cup)
1/2 to 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced and halved
1/4 to 1/2 cup kalamata olives (black olives can be used too)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garlic powder, a pinch or to taste
Salt, a pinch or to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until well combined. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta. Toss gently with the vinaigrette just before serving, adding dressing to taste.

Tips & Variations

For a vibrant presentation, serve the salad on a flat platter to showcase all the colorful ingredients.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
Substitute black olives if kalamata olives are unavailable, and try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salad ingredients are best kept undressed and refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness. Leftover dressed salad is not recommended for storage as it may become soggy.

How to Serve

A white oval plate filled with a fresh mixed green salad as the base layer, featuring various leafy greens with different shades of green and purple, creating a textured and vibrant background. On top of this is a layer of halved bright red cherry tomatoes scattered evenly, adding pops of color and shine. Thin slices of pale purple onion are spread throughout, adding a light sheen and subtle curves. Cubes of creamy white feta cheese sprinkled all over provide a soft, crumbly texture. Small chunks of light green avocado and deep purple olives are scattered on top, offering color contrast and variety. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface, with a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens for this salad?

Yes, you can use any fresh greens you prefer such as spinach, arugula, or kale. Just make sure to wash and dry them well before mixing.

How do I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together and store in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk again before using.