Looking for a refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer? Dive into our "Light Italian Summer Salad," a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched coasts of Italy! With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is not only quick and easy to whip up, but it’s also bursting with flavor and color, making it the perfect accompaniment to any summer meal or a delightful stand-alone dish. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the cucumber into thin rounds, and thinly slicing the red onion. Ensure all cuts are uniform for an attractive presentation.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens as a base layer, creating a vibrant green foundation for the salad.
- Gently scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion over the greens, distributing them evenly.
- Add the olives and crumbled feta cheese, spreading them across the top of the salad for visual appeal and balanced flavor distribution.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated but not saturated.
- Gently toss the salad to mix ingredients and distribute the dressing evenly, being careful not to bruise the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors of the Italian summer salad.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a delicious salad is using the freshest produce. Look for vibrant mixed greens, ripe cherry tomatoes, and firm cucumbers to elevate your dish.
- Uniform Cuts: For an appealing presentation, ensure all your vegetable cuts are uniform. This not only looks great but also ensures even flavor distribution in every bite.
- Make Your Own Dressing: While store-bought dressings are convenient, a homemade vinaigrette is quick and adds a personal touch. Adjust the olive oil and vinegar ratio to suit your taste!
- Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, toss gently to avoid bruising the greens. A light hand will keep your salad looking fresh and vibrant.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost protein content while keeping the dish light and satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
