One of my fondest summer memories is from when my children were small. I remember those long, sun-drenched afternoons when we’d gather at our backyard table after spending the day in the garden, surrounded by the bright colors of fresh veggies. My kids would giggle and race to help me whip up a refreshing summer salad, their little hands tugging at the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. The joy in their faces as they tasted the vibrant mixture was pure bliss, and every bite was a celebration of summer. Today, I still feel that warmth in my heart as I prepare this Fresh Summer Salad, filled with crispy greens, succulent veggies, and a zesty dressing that dances on your tastebuds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy Prep: This salad can be whipped up in just minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
- Family-Friendly: With flavors that everyone will love, it’s a great way to sneak in those nutritious fresh veggies.
- Light and Refreshing: This dish captures the essence of summer, making it ideal for potlucks and picnics.
- Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are easily accessible and affordable, allowing you to enjoy healthy eating without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
- Mixed greens – An essential base that brings vibrant colors and nutrients.
- English cucumber – Crisp and refreshing, perfect for adding texture.
- Radishes – For a peppery crunch that awakens the palate.
- Red onion – Adds a punch of flavor and beautiful color.
- Cherry tomatoes – Sweet bursts of juiciness in every bite.
- Avocado – Creamy goodness that elevates the salad to a whole new level.
- Feta cheese – Adds a salty tanginess that perfectly complements the fresh veggies.
- Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds – For a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the dressing with its zesty flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of kick to the dressing.
- Olive oil – Brings everything together with a smooth, rich flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to taste.
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s jump into making this delightful salad! Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until well blended. Now, as you’re whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing becomes creamy and emulsified. It’s so easy, right? You can adjust the seasoning and sweetness to suit your taste.
Next, grab a large bowl and toss in those mixed greens, cucumber slices, radishes, and red onion. Drizzle in a good amount of the dressing — but remember, you don’t have to use it all. If you love a lighter salad, just add enough to coat the veggies nicely. Give it a gentle toss to combine all the fresh ingredients.
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, crumbled feta, and seeds on top. You can serve it immediately or let it chill briefly in the fridge if you prefer it cold. Trust me, the flavors meld beautifully if you give them a little time together!
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Choose ripe avocados: If they’re too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a few days. If they’re ripe now, they’ll be creamy and delightful!
- Vary your greens: Try using kale or spinach in place of or alongside the mixed greens for an extra superfood boost!
- Don’t skip the salt: It brings out the flavors in the vegetables beautifully!
- To avoid sogginess: If you’re making the salad ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
How to Serve
This fresh summer salad is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty quinoa dish. Looking for a perfect beverage? A chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade complements the lightness of the salad beautifully. It’s also a fantastic choice for summer picnics, family gatherings, or even for a cozy dinner at home. As for plating? Serve it in a large bowl or individual portions, garnished with a few extra seeds and feta for that eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re planning ahead, this salad can be made a few hours in advance, just remember to keep the dressing on the side! Leftovers can last for a day in the refrigerator, but the veggies may lose their crispness after a while. I recommend consuming leftovers within 24 hours for the best taste. Unfortunately, this salad isn’t freezer-friendly as the textures won’t hold up after thawing.
FAQ
- Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this salad a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
- What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes? No worries! You can easily substitute diced bell peppers or eliminate them entirely — the salad will still taste fantastic.
- Can I use an air fryer or slow cooker instead? This salad is best enjoyed fresh and raw; no cooking required!
I hope you find as much joy in this fresh summer salad as I do! Each bite is not only packed with flavors but also holds a bit of summer’s magic. Let me know how it turns out for you — I’d love to hear your thoughts and any twists you might make to it!
Fresh Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups Mixed Greens
- 0.5 English Cucumber sliced
- 6 Radishes thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup Red Onion thinly sliced or to taste
- 0.5 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 medium Avocado sliced
- 2 ounces Feta Cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Sunflower Seeds or pumpkin seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil while whisking until mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumber, radishes, and red onion. Toss with dressing to taste.
- Top with avocado, feta, and seeds. Serve immediately.