Name: Best Simple Side Salad with Fresh Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 head Romaine Lettuce or Mixed Greens (Can use spinach for a softer touch); 1 medium Cucumber (Use English cucumber for fewer seeds or zucchini for a twist); 1 cup Tomatoes (Cherry or Halved) (Substitute with grape tomatoes or seasonal varieties); 1/4 medium Red Onion (Replace with green onions for a milder flavor); 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives (Black olives can be used as an alternative); 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta (Optional; skip for a dairy-free version); 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used for a lighter flavor); 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (Substitute with red wine vinegar for a sharper taste); 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (Omit for a milder flavor if desired); 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder; to taste Salt (Fresh minced garlic can add a robust kick)

As I shuffled through my fridge, I stumbled upon a rainbow of fresh veggies begging to be turned into something vibrant and satisfying. What emerged was my go-to, the Best Simple Side Salad with Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette—a dish that’s as much about the colorful presentation as it is about the delightful crunch. This salad is an effortless way to elevate any meal, combining crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta in under 15 minutes. Plus, it’s gluten-free and bursting with health benefits! Perfect for busy weeknights or adding a special touch to dinner parties, each bite brings a symphony of taste that reminds us why home-cooked meals reign supreme. Curious about how to whip up this colorful creation? Let’s dive in!

Why Is This Side Salad a Must-Try?

Freshness shines through with every bite, featuring vibrant romaine lettuce and crunchy cucumbers. Easy preparation means this salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Versatile and customizable, feel free to swap ingredients like adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein! Not to mention, it’s naturally gluten-free and keeps your nutritional goals intact. Want to explore more refreshing options? Check out my Tomato Feta Salad or the tasty Hawaiian Chicken Salad for delightful variations!

Best Simple Side Salad Ingredients

• Bring your culinary creations to life with these fresh, wholesome ingredients that promise a delightful crunch and vibrant flavors!

For the Salad

Romaine Lettuce or Mixed Greens – Forms the crisp base; spinach can be used for a softer touch.
Cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch; use English cucumber for fewer seeds or zucchini for a twist.
Tomatoes (Cherry or Halved) – Infuses sweetness; substitute with grape tomatoes or seasonal varieties for a different flair.
Red Onion – Provides a sharp flavor; replace with green onions for a milder option or omit altogether.
Kalamata Olives – Introduces a briny flavor; black olives serve as an excellent alternative.
Crumbled Feta (optional) – Adds creaminess; skip this for a dairy-free salad and swap in avocado for richness.

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Richness is key for the dressing; avocado oil can be used for a lighter flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar – Delivers the needed acidity; substitute with red wine vinegar for a sharper taste.
Dijon Mustard – Boosts tanginess and emulsifies the dressing; omit for a milder flavor.
Garlic Powder and Salt – Elevates overall taste; fresh minced garlic can add a robust kick.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Simple Side Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Blend the ingredients until smooth and emulsified, which should take less than 5 minutes. This homemade dressing will provide the perfect tang for your Best Simple Side Salad.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
Wash and dry your romaine lettuce or mixed greens thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Next, slice one cucumber, cut the tomatoes in halves or quarters, and thinly slice a quarter of a red onion. If using, slice the Kalamata olives. Arrange the prepped ingredients on a clean cutting board for an easy assembly of your salad.

Step 3: Toss the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine all the prepared greens and vegetables. Gently toss them together with your hands or using salad tongs, ensuring an even mix of colors and textures. If you opted for crumbled feta, sprinkle it on top now to add a creamy component to your Best Simple Side Salad, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, starting with half of it. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate greens. This method preserves the freshness and crunch of your salad, allowing the vibrant flavors to shine through beautifully right when you’re ready to dig in!

Make Ahead Options

These Best Simple Side Salads are ideal for meal prep lovers! You can wash and chop the romaine lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. While the veggies sit, whip up your Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette and store it separately, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the prepped ingredients together with the dressing for a fresh, vibrant side that delights. This way, you’ll enjoy a colorful salad with minimal effort during busy weeknights, keeping your meal prep smooth and stress-free!

Best Simple Side Salad Variations

Feel free to experiment and make this salad your own with these delightful twists and adjustments!

Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and replace it with creamy avocado for a healthy, rich texture.
Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or canned chickpeas to transform your salad into a hearty meal.
Zesty Kick: Swap out Kalamata olives for capers to infuse your salad with a bold, tangy flavor.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate bell peppers or shredded carrots for a colorful crunch and a nutritional boost.
Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for added texture and flavor.
Hearty Greens: Substitute romaine with kale or arugula for a slightly different taste and an extra nutritional punch.
Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to ignite some heat in your salad.
Fruit Addition: Toss in diced apples or pears for a sweet surprise that contrasts beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette.

Whether you’re serving alongside grilled meats or enjoying it solo, have fun customizing this Hawaiian Chicken Salad or explore a refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salad to keep mealtime exciting!

How to Store and Freeze Best Simple Side Salad

Fridge: Store your prepared Best Simple Side Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.

Dressing Storage: The balsamic vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using to recombine the ingredients.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the prepared salad, as the vegetables will lose their crispness and texture upon thawing.

Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you’ve added protein, such as grilled chicken, consider reheating that portion separately to preserve the quality of the salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Simple Side Salad

Choose Fresh Greens: Fresh, firm greens are crucial for a perfect salad. Limp greens can make your dish unappetizing; always select the crispest lettuce available.
Prep Ingredients Ahead: Save time by washing and chopping your veggies ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, ready for quick assembly of your Best Simple Side Salad.
Dress Right Before Serving: To maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch, add the dressing just before serving. This prevents wilting and keeps flavors vibrant.
Customize to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients! Using seasonal vegetables or different types of olives can add a unique twist and keep your meals exciting.
Presentation Matters: Serve your salad on a flat platter rather than a deep bowl. This allows the colors and textures to shine, making the dish visually appealing and tempting.
Store Dressing Separately: For the best flavor and freshness, store your balsamic vinaigrette in the fridge and dress your salad right before enjoying to keep everything crisp!

What to Serve with Best Simple Side Salad

This delightful salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, creating the perfect meal experience.

Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the crispness of the salad, adding protein for a satisfying meal.
Quinoa Bowl: Nutty quinoa brings a hearty element that’s rich in protein, making your meal both filling and nutritious.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: A warm, flavorful stuffed bell pepper contrasts nicely with the salad’s refreshing crunch, enhancing your dining experience.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of fresh bread offers a comforting touch, ideal for mopping up vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables: Sweet, caramelized roasted veggies add a delicious depth and earthy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the fresh salad.
Pasta Primavera: This light pasta dish with seasonal veggies harmonizes beautifully alongside your salad for a vibrant, well-rounded meal.
Sparkling Water: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon can cleanse your palate and enhance the salad’s freshness.
Fruit Sorbet: For dessert, a light fruit sorbet can complement the salad’s flavors while providing a sweet finish to the meal.
Herbed Yogurt Dip: A cool, creamy dip on the side packs an herby punch that pairs well with the salad’s refreshing qualities, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Savory Tart: A slice of savory vegetable tart offers a flaky, rich texture that complements the crisp salad nicely, making for an elevated meal experience.

Best Simple Side Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my vegetables are ripe and fresh?
Absolutely! Look for vibrant colors and firm textures. Fresh romaine lettuce should be crisp without brown edges, while cucumbers should feel firm with a smooth skin. Tomatoes should be slightly soft to the touch, not overly mushy, and avoid those with dark spots or wrinkles.

What is the best way to store leftover salad?
Very! Store your Best Simple Side Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. If you’ve already dressed it, consider consuming it within a day or two for the best flavor and freshness.

Can I freeze my salad?
Not really. It’s best not to freeze the prepared salad, as the freezing process can cause vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes to become mushy and lose their texture. If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the balsamic vinaigrette separately for up to 3 months.

What should I do if my dressing separates?
No worries! This can happen with homemade dressings. Simply whisk or shake it again until the ingredients are combined. If using a jar, make sure the lid is tightly sealed before shaking. You can also add a touch more mustard or vinegar to help emulsify.

Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Definitely! The Best Simple Side Salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting feta. Make sure that all components of the balsamic vinaigrette are plant-based to suit vegan diets. For those with nut allergies, be cautious when choosing oils and dressings. Always verify ingredient labels!

Can I use different or additional ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to personalize your salad by swapping olives for nuts or adding grilled chicken for protein. Try incorporating seasonal veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra nutrients and color. The more, the merrier when it comes to salad ingredients!