Simple Green Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Crisp mixed greens with cucumber and cherry tomatoes, dressed in a bright lemon-Dijon vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce), thoroughly rinsed and dried

→ Fresh Vegetables

02 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Vinaigrette

04 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish (optional)

09 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives or parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse and dry all salad greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean towel. Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
02 - Add the thinly sliced cucumber and halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl with the greens.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
04 - Drizzle the vinaigrette evenly over the greens and vegetables. Toss gently until the ingredients are well coated.
05 - Sprinkle the salad with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately to maintain the best flavor and crisp texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This salad turns ordinary greens into something crave-worthy with a bright vinaigrette secret I return to every time.
  • It became a staple because tossing it together always earns a satisfied crunch from anyone at the table.
02 -
  • Wet greens are the enemy of a good salad; one rushed night I learned my lesson when my vinaigrette slid right off.
  • Emulsifying the dressing fully — not just mixing — is the trick behind that creamy, clingy coating that makes all the difference.
03 -
  • I once learned the hard way that the sharp blade of a chef's knife is best for slicing tomatoes cleanly, not crushing them.
  • For unbeatable freshness, chill your salad bowl in the fridge before assembling everything — guests always notice.

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