Perfectly Balanced Tossed Salad Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious tossed salad recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household? This perfect balance of freshness and flavor will make any meal more enjoyable. The keyword used here is "tossed salad."

Tossed salads are a great way to add some greenery and fresh crunch to your meals. They can be served as part of a main course or even enjoyed alone for lunch. Not only do they provide you with essential nutrients, but they also give you the freedom to customize them according to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Lettuce (preferably mixed greens such as romaine, spinach and arugula)
Celery sticks finely chopped into bite-sized pieces
Carrots shredded on the fine side of a box grater or with a food processor attachment
Cucumbers sliced thinly crosswise
Cherry tomatoes halved lengthwise
Red onion thinly sliced and soaked in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften it up and remove some of the sharpness before draining thoroughly
Salt to taste
Freshly ground pepper according to your preference
Vinaigrette dressing (optional, depending upon how much flavor you want)

Preparation Steps

To prepare this tossed salad, start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under cold running water. Spin them dry on paper towels or a clean cloth to ensure they are free from excess moisture which helps prevent soggy salads.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all washed and prepped ingredients except for the vinaigrette until everything is well mixed together ensuring each piece of produce gets enough space so that no ingredient clumps up. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile than just plain greens, feel free to drizzle on some light dressing at this point as it can help enhance the natural flavors and add another layer of taste.

Optional Dressing

If making your own homemade vinaigrette sounds appealing, here's a simple recipe to follow:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
Adjust the seasoning based on your personal preferences. Taste as you go along so that it's not too acidic or overpowering for your liking.

Cooking Time & Servings

The preparation of this tossed salad takes approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, excluding the time required for washing and preparing the vegetables. It serves four people as a side dish or two individuals if used as part of a main course.

Tips For A Tasty Salad

To make sure your tossed salad remains crisp and fresh longer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you're adding cherry tomatoes, keep them separate from other components because they release water when cut, which could cause the whole mix to become watery.

Why Choose This Salad?

Tossed salads are not only low in calories but also rich in vitamins A and C found abundantly in carrots and bell peppers respectively. They also contain antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes that help fight free radicals within the body contributing to better skin health, cardiovascular health benefits among others.

Conclusion

This tossed salad recipe offers a refreshing break from heavier meals while providing essential nutrients needed for good health. It’s easy enough even for beginners in cooking and versatile enough to cater to various tastes, making it an excellent addition to any diet plan or meal rotation.