Perfectly Balanced Salad: A Delicious Twist on Classic Greens

In today's fast-paced world, a well-balanced salad can be your go-to meal for a healthy and delicious option that doesn't require hours of preparation or complex techniques. If you're looking for an easy yet satisfying dish, this balanced salad recipe is perfect for you. Packed with essential nutrients and flavors, it provides the energy boost needed during those busy days.

The keyword density for this article will be controlled within a range that feels natural to the reader without appearing forced or unnatural. This approach ensures both SEO optimization and readability.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cucumber, sliced thinly
• 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

To prepare your perfectly balanced salad, start by washing the mixed greens thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients mentioned above.

1. Start with adding the washed mixed greens; they should be at the base of the bowl.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes next for a burst of flavor and color.
3. Dice an avocado into small pieces and sprinkle them over the other vegetables. The creamy texture complements the freshness of the salad.
4. Thinly slice your cucumber and place it on top; cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch to every bite.
5. Finely slice the red onion and mix in gently with all the ingredients so that each piece gets evenly coated.
6. If desired, crumble feta cheese over the salad for added creaminess and extra flavor. This step is optional but recommended as it adds depth.

Salad Dressing:

Making your own dressing can take this meal from ordinary to extraordinary. For a simple vinaigrette, combine olive oil and apple cider vinegar in equal parts (about 2 tablespoons each) along with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time & Servings:

This dish does not involve any actual cooking as such; it's all about assembling the ingredients. However, if you plan for a specific number of servings, this recipe yields approximately one serving per cup of greens used. With six cups of mixed greens specified here, the total number of servings would be around six. It takes just minutes to prepare.

Health Benefits:

This salad is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. Mixed greens provide a good source of vitamins K and C, folate, fiber, manganese, and potassium. Cherry tomatoes add lycopene which supports heart health and skin health. Avocados are rich in healthy fats that aid weight loss when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, feta cheese supplies calcium.

Variations:

To give this classic salad recipe a fun twist, you can try adding grilled chicken or salmon for protein. Another variation could involve substituting the mixed greens with arugula or spinach leaves, which will change the flavor profile slightly but still keep the balance intact. Adding nuts like walnuts adds crunch and additional nutritional value.

Tips:

<

ul>