Easy Garden Salad Recipe

Want to make something yummy and healthy in just 15 minutes? This garden salad recipe is super easy and fun.

You’ll use fresh veggies straight from the garden (or store!) to create a colorful dish that tastes great. Grab your apron, wash your hands, and let’s make a salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

Keep reading to learn how to whip up this tasty treat with simple steps and ingredients you probably already have!

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick look at what makes this garden salad so special. These facts help you know what to expect before you begin.

• Recipe Description: A fresh salad with crunchy vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: None
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Type of Dish: Salad
• Cuisine of the Recipe: American
• Quantity Produced by the Recipe: Serves 4
• The Number of Calories in the Recipe: About 100 calories per serving

What Is a Garden Salad?

A garden salad is a dish made with fresh vegetables. It usually has leafy greens like lettuce, plus other veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. You add a dressing to make it tasty.

This salad is simple and quick to prepare. Kids like it because it’s easy to eat and full of crunch. You can make it for any meal, like lunch or dinner.

Garden salads are healthy too. The vegetables give you vitamins and keep you strong. You can even grow some of the ingredients in your own garden if you want!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this garden salad, gather these ingredients. They’re easy to find and simple to use.

• 4 cups of lettuce (romaine or iceberg works great)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/4 cup of red onion, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup of salad dressing (try ranch or Italian)

You can add more veggies if you like. Bell peppers or radishes taste good too. Just make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor.

How to Wash the Veggies

Washing veggies is the first step. It gets rid of dirt and germs. You’ll need cold water and a big bowl.

Fill the bowl with water and put the lettuce in. Swish it around, then lift it out. Use a salad spinner to dry it so it’s not soggy.

For tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onions, rinse them under the faucet. Rub them gently with your hands. Now they’re ready to chop and use!

How to Chop Everything

Chopping makes the veggies easy to eat. You’ll need a cutting board and a knife. Ask an adult to help if you’re not sure.

Tear the lettuce into small pieces with your hands. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half with the knife. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.

Grate the carrot with a grater for little orange bits. Slice the red onion super thin so it’s not too strong. Put everything in a big bowl when you’re done.

Making a Yummy Dressing

Dressing adds flavor to your salad. You can make a simple one with these items.

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (try apple cider)
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Mix them in a small bowl with a spoon. Stir until it looks smooth. Taste it and add more salt if you want.

You can also use store-bought dressing like ranch. Pour it on right before you eat so the salad stays crunchy.

Mixing the Salad

Now it’s time to mix everything. Grab your big bowl with all the veggies. Make sure your hands are clean!

Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and onion together. Use two big spoons to toss them gently. This mixes all the colors and flavors.

Pour the dressing over the top. Start with a little and add more if you like. Toss again so every bite has some dressing on it.

Serving Your Salad

Serving the salad is fun because it looks so pretty. You can put it in a big bowl for everyone to share. Or use small plates for each person.

It goes great with pizza, burgers, or chicken. You can sprinkle cheese or nuts on top for extra yumminess.

Eat it right away so it stays fresh. If you’re at a picnic, keep it cool in a cooler until you’re ready to dig in.

Why This Salad Is Good for You

This garden salad is super healthy. The veggies give you lots of good stuff your body needs. Lettuce has vitamins that help your skin and eyes.

Tomatoes have something called vitamin C that keeps you from getting sick. Cucumbers keep you hydrated because they’re mostly water.

Carrots help you see better with something called beta-carotene. Onions fight germs and add a little kick. Eating this salad makes you feel great!

Fun Ways to Change It Up

You can make your salad different every time. Try these ideas to keep it exciting.

• Add fruits like apples or grapes for sweetness.
• Toss in nuts or seeds for crunch.
• Use cheese like cheddar or feta for a creamy taste.

Switch the dressing too. Lemon juice or honey mustard tastes awesome. Pick what you love and make it your own!

How to Save Leftovers

Got extra salad? You can save it for later. Put it in a container with a lid.

Keep the dressing off if you can. This stops it from getting mushy. It stays good in the fridge for two days.

If it has dressing already, eat it the same day. Soggy salad isn’t as fun. You can also save extra veggies for another meal.

Cleaning Up After

Cleaning up keeps your kitchen nice. Wash all the bowls and tools you used. Use warm water and soap.

Wipe the counter with a wet cloth. This gets rid of veggie bits or dressing drops. Put everything away when it’s dry.

Save any leftover veggies in the fridge. You can use them for another salad or a snack later.

FAQs

Can I Use Other Veggies?

Yes, you can add any veggies you like. Peppers, radishes, or even broccoli work great.

How Long Does It Stay Good?

Without dressing, it lasts two days in the fridge. With dressing, eat it the same day.

What Dressing Is Best?

Ranch or Italian are easy picks. You can also try lemon juice or honey mustard.

Is This Salad Healthy?

Yes, it’s full of vitamins and low in calories. It helps you grow strong and stay happy.