Perfectly Balanced Salad for Summer Days

Salads have been a staple in many households around the world for centuries. This versatile dish can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is perfect as an appetizer or meal. A well-balanced salad consists of a variety of ingredients such as fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains to ensure that you get all the essential nutrients your body needs.

This summer, try making a simple yet deliciously balanced salad with these easy-to-find ingredients:

• 4 cups of mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste

To get started, wash all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of sliced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, slivered almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. This dressing will not only enhance the flavors of your salad but also serve as an excellent marinade for the vegetables and nuts.
3. Pour the dressing over the mixed greens and toss everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Once the salad is ready, it can be served immediately or refrigerated for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite more flavorful.

Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes

Servings: Yield 4 servings

Why Choose this Salad?

This balanced salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Mixed greens such as spinach and arugula are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate, which promote healthy skin, boost immunity, support heart health, and prevent birth defects.

Cherry tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which aid in digestion and reduce blood pressure.

Sliced cucumbers are low in calories yet high in water content, making them an excellent choice for hydration. They contain vitamins B1, B7, K, and folate, as well as minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and silica.

Almonds provide protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, iron, copper, and manganese. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health, supporting bone strength, boosting energy levels, and enhancing cognitive function.

Crumpled feta cheese offers calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, protein, and healthy fats. It adds creaminess to the salad without overpowering other flavors.

How to Enjoy this Salad

This salad is a refreshing treat during hot summer days. You can enjoy it as part of a light lunch or dinner with a side of whole-grain bread or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

If you are looking for more variety, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the mix. It will turn this salad into a complete protein-packed meal. For a bit of spice, try adding some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

A well-balanced summer salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare. With its diverse range of ingredients, it caters to different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're having it as a standalone dish or incorporating it into a meal, this salad is sure to be a hit in your household.

Next time you're looking for an easy, healthy recipe to try, consider making this balanced summer salad. It’s a delightful way to start the day with a fresh burst of flavors and nutrients!