Welcome to your new favorite go-to: the ultimate Everyday Salad Recipe. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a meticulously crafted blend of crisp greens, vibrant, crunchy vegetables, and a truly exceptional homemade dressing, designed for speed, simplicity, and maximum flavor. Forget dull, uninspired salads; this recipe promises a fresh, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable meal that you’ll want to enjoy every single day.

If you’re looking to expand your salad repertoire, be sure to explore more delicious veggie-packed options like our Garden Salad, the classic Caesar Salad, or a refreshing Healthy Italian Salad.

The Ultimate Everyday Salad Recipe: Quick, Healthy & Customizable

Salads are a cornerstone of healthy eating, and while I’ve shared countless recipes over the years, some demand more time and effort than others. This particular creation stands out as my most frequently made, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, lightning-fast to prepare, and remarkably adaptable to whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re tossing in a medley of fridge staples or keeping it simple with just lettuce and dressing, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

For busy weeknights, this healthy salad recipe is an absolute lifesaver. It’s my secret weapon for ensuring my family gets a generous serving of greens, and often, with the addition of a simple protein like grilled chicken, fish, steak, or shrimp, it transforms into a complete and satisfying dinner. The combination of fresh textures and a zesty dressing makes it a meal that everyone, even the pickiest eaters, looks forward to.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Everyday Salad

The beauty of this everyday salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these choices make all the difference:

• Spring Mix: The foundation of any great salad! A pre-washed spring mix is your best friend for saving time. I particularly love a blend of tender spring greens and delicate baby spinach, offering a diverse nutrient profile and a soft, inviting texture. These leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, contributing significantly to the salad’s overall health benefits.
• Avocado: This creamy, nutrient-dense fruit adds a luxurious richness and a satisfying mouthfeel. Avocado is a powerhouse of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins, making your salad more filling and nutritious. If you’re short on time or want to avoid chopping, a dollop of mashed avocado (not guacamole, which usually has added spices) works just as well, offering an easy scoop of deliciousness with each serving.
• Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds): For that irresistible crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, pepitas are essential. These small green seeds are not only delicious but also rich in magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. You can often find them in bulk bins at health food stores or conveniently pre-packaged near other salad toppings in most grocery stores. They add a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire salad.
• Red Onion: A thinly sliced red onion introduces a sharp, piquant bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the avocado and the sweetness of the dressing. It provides a refreshing zing and an appealing splash of color. If you find raw red onion too intense, don’t worry – it’s easily skippable, or you can swap it for milder green onions or chives.
• Cucumbers: Essential for a refreshing crispness, cucumbers bring a cool and hydrating element to the salad. For the best texture and flavor, I highly recommend using English or Persian cucumbers. Their thin skins and minimal seeds mean less prep work and a more enjoyable eating experience compared to standard garden cucumbers. They are a fantastic source of hydration and add a refreshing counterpoint to the other ingredients.

Crafting the Best Homemade Salad Dressing

A phenomenal salad is nothing without an equally phenomenal dressing. This homemade vinaigrette is incredibly simple to prepare, yet it delivers a burst of balanced flavors that perfectly complement the fresh ingredients. The best part? You can whip it up in minutes by shaking a few ingredients in a jar. Make a double batch and keep it in the fridge to elevate various other salad recipes throughout the week!

• Dijon Mustard: This is a crucial emulsifier and flavor enhancer. Dijon mustard, with its tangy, slightly spicy profile, binds the oil and vinegar together, creating a smooth, cohesive dressing. It’s important to use Dijon-style mustard for its distinct flavor and emulsifying properties; yellow mustard won’t yield the same results.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the heart of this vinaigrette, contributing a rich, fruity base. Its robust flavor is unparalleled and provides healthy monounsaturated fats. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best possible taste and nutritional benefits.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing. You can adjust the amount to your preference: use less for a tangier dressing, or a bit more for a sweeter profile. This natural sweetener provides a lovely counterpoint to the savory notes.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This ingredient is key for providing a bright, tangy acidity that awakens the palate. Red wine vinegar offers a robust and slightly fruity flavor that pairs wonderfully with a variety of vegetables and proteins. Its sharp notes are essential for a classic vinaigrette.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple yet indispensable! Salt is vital for enhancing and bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients, both in the dressing and the salad itself. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aromatic finish. Don’t underestimate their power – they truly make the flavors pop!

Endless Customization: Make Your Everyday Salad Uniquely Yours

One of the greatest strengths of this Everyday Salad Recipe is its incredible versatility. It serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences, dietary needs, or what you simply have on hand. Here are countless ways to transform this simple base into something extraordinary:

• Add Protein: To transform your side salad into a hearty main course, incorporate your favorite protein. Think tender grilled chicken, succulent steak, pan-seared shrimp, flaky salmon, hard-boiled or poached eggs, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. These additions provide essential amino acids and keep you feeling full longer.
• Add Cheese: Elevate the flavor profile with a sprinkle of cheese. Shaved Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite; crumbled feta brings a tangy, briny note; creamy goat cheese offers a rich, earthy dimension; and fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) provide a mild, milky chew.
• Add Legumes: Boost the fiber and protein content with legumes. Cooked lentils offer an earthy texture, crispy roasted chickpeas add a delightful crunch, and black beans or cannellini beans introduce a creamy, satisfying element.
• Add Grains: For extra substance and “staying power,” mix in cooked grains. Quinoa provides complete protein and a fluffy texture, brown rice adds a nutty chew, and farro offers a hearty, satisfying bite. These grains turn your salad into a truly wholesome meal.
• Add More Veggies: The more vegetables, the merrier! Enhance both the nutritional value and visual appeal with additional fresh produce. Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers (any color), shredded carrots, sweet corn kernels, finely chopped celery, juicy cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sweet peas, roasted beets, or crisp green beans.
• Add Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh herbs can completely transform the aroma and flavor of your salad. Basil brings a sweet, peppery note; chives offer a delicate oniony flavor; cilantro adds a bright, citrusy zing; parsley provides a fresh, clean taste; mint delivers a cool, refreshing element; and thyme offers an earthy, aromatic touch.
• Add Jarred Favorites: Don’t overlook the convenience and flavor burst from pantry staples. Marinated olives add a briny, savory punch; roasted red peppers offer a sweet, smoky depth; sun-dried tomatoes deliver an intense, concentrated tomato flavor; and even thinly sliced pickles can provide a surprising tangy crunch.

Nutritional Benefits of a Fresh Everyday Salad

This Everyday Salad Recipe is not just delicious and easy; it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and customizable protein options, it offers numerous health benefits. The spring mix provides essential vitamins like K, A, and C, along with beneficial antioxidants. Avocados contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. Cucumbers add hydration, while pepitas offer minerals such as magnesium and zinc. By opting for a homemade dressing, you control the quality of ingredients and avoid unnecessary sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought alternatives. This vibrant salad is a fantastic way to boost your daily nutrient intake, support digestion, and maintain energy levels, making it an excellent choice for a balanced lifestyle.

More Delightful Salad Recipes to Explore:

If you’ve loved creating and savoring this everyday salad, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of salad recipes extends far beyond, offering a world of flavors and textures to explore. Each recipe is designed to be fresh, flavorful, and a joy to prepare. Dive into these other favorites:

• A satisfying Quinoa Salad Recipe with a bright basil dressing, perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
• The elegant Tuna Nicoise Salad featuring a zesty lemon dressing, a classic French dish made simple.
• A refreshing Peach Salad with creamy avocado and tangy goat cheese, a perfect summer delight.
• Our crisp Cucumber Feta Salad highlighted by a light lemon dressing, ideal for a quick side.
• A classic and comforting Chicken Salad with a rich and creamy dressing, versatile for sandwiches or on its own.

Everyday Salad Recipe

By

Chelsea Lords

This Everyday Salad Recipe is light, fresh, and loaded with greens, crisp veggies, and a tasty homemade dressing. It’s quick to prepare and easily customizable.

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Total Time:

15
minutes

Servings:

4
servings, as a side

Equipment

• Large bowl

Ingredients

• 8
  cups
  

  mixed greens
  
  5 ounces

• 1/2
  of a
  red onion
  thinly sliced, 3/4 cup
• 1
  cup
  
  thinly sliced
  cucumber
  
  see note 1
• 1
  medium
  ripe avocado
  diced
• 1/2
  cup
  
  roasted and salted pepitas
  
  or shelled sunflower seeds, see note 2
• 1/4
  cup
  
  shaved Parmesan cheese
  
  optional

Dressing

• 1/4
  cup
  olive oil
• 1
  teaspoon
  
  Dijon-style mustard
  
• 1
  teaspoon
  honey
• 1
  tablespoon
  red wine vinegar
• 1
  teaspoon
  minced garlic
  optional
• 
  Salt and
  pepper
  
  I use 1/4 teaspoon each

Instructions

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it. Remember to shake again just before drizzling over the salad to ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.
2. It is essential to only add dressing to the portion of salad you intend to consume immediately; dressed salads tend to wilt quickly. In a large serving bowl, place all the mixed greens. Drizzle approximately half of the prepared dressing over the greens and toss gently until they are lightly coated. Next, add the thinly sliced red onion, crisp cucumber, diced avocado, and crunchy pepitas. Drizzle with the remaining dressing (or adjust the amount to your personal taste) and toss again gently to combine all ingredients.
3. If you are using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it generously over the top of the salad. For beautiful, thin shavings, use a vegetable peeler directly over a block of Parmesan. Serve your freshly made everyday salad promptly to enjoy it at its peak crispness and flavor.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For the finest texture and flavor, we recommend using English or Persian cucumbers. Typically, two mini cucumbers yield about 1 cup when sliced.

Note 2: Roasted and salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) impart a delightful slightly sweet and nutty flavor, along with a satisfying crunch. These can usually be found in the bulk food section of your grocery store or alongside other salad toppings.

Storage: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after being dressed, as the greens can wilt quickly. For convenient leftovers or meal prepping, store the mixed greens, avocado, and red onion separately. An undressed salad, with ingredients properly stored, will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
235
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
8
g

|

Protein:
6.2
g

|

Fat:
21.5
g

|

Cholesterol:
2.4
mg

|

Sodium:
96.6
mg

|

Fiber:
4.2
g

|

Sugar:
1.5
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts and leave a comment below! We’d love to hear how you customized your Everyday Salad.