Salad with Vinaigrette
A crisp and refreshing garden salad bursting with vibrant cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and sweet carrots. The simple homemade red wine vinaigrette adds a perfectly tangy and slightly sweet finish to this classic side dish.
For 4 servings
3 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
- c.Add the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- d.Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake well for about 30 seconds until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Salad Vegetables
- b.Ensure your mixed greens are washed and thoroughly dried using a salad spinner or paper towels.
- c.In a large salad bowl, add the dried mixed greens.
- d.Add the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, grated carrot, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Dress and Serve
- b.Just before serving, give the vinaigrette one last shake.
- c.Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad.
- d.Gently toss the salad with tongs to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
- e.Taste and add more dressing if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry your greens completely using a salad spinner. Wet greens make the dressing watery and prevent it from sticking.
- 2For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- 3Always toss the salad with dressing right before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy and wilted.
- 4The vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before using.
- 5Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust sweetness, acidity, or seasoning as needed.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Make it a main course by adding grilled chicken strips, canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained), a hard-boiled egg, or flaked salmon.
Cheese Lover'sCheese Lover's
Add a savory element with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan cheese.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Toss in a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and healthy fats.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Incorporate some sweetness with sliced strawberries, fresh blueberries, apple slices, or pear slices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
The variety of fresh vegetables provides essential nutrients like Vitamin C from tomatoes, Vitamin A from carrots, and antioxidants from leafy greens, supporting overall health and immunity.
Source of Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of the vinaigrette, offering monounsaturated fats that are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
High in Dietary Fiber
This salad is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness to help with weight management, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this salad with vinaigrette contains approximately 220-240 calories, with most of the calories coming from the healthy fats in the olive oil.