If you’re looking for a fresh, colorful dish that feels as inviting as it is wholesome, the Everyday Salad is about to become your go-to green fix. This isn’t just any side salad—it’s a vibrant medley with plenty of crunch, pops of creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a punchy homemade dressing that brings everything to life. Whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner or sprucing up lunch, the Everyday Salad is equal parts nourishing and crowd-pleasing, always ready to shift gears with your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Everyday Salad is all in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, adding its own flavor, color, or texture. Here’s what you’ll gather for this delicious bowl of freshness:

Mixed greens: A blend of romaine, spinach, and arugula provides the perfect base—don’t be afraid to use whatever greens you love or have on hand.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for easy bites and burst-in-your-mouth juiciness.
Cucumber: Sliced for a crisp, cool crunch that keeps things refreshing.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a delicate sharpness—soaking in cold water first can mellow the bite if you prefer.
Avocado: Diced for creamy richness—choose a ripe one for maximum buttery flavor.
Shredded carrots: A bit of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese: Adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that ties together the greens and veggies.
Roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts: For craveable crunch; toasted nuts work wonders for extra flavor.
Olive oil: The backbone of a truly silky, rich dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Brings sharpness and brightens every flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds zing and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a touch balances the acidity with subtle sweetness.
Salt and pepper: Bring out the best in every ingredient—taste and adjust as you go!

How to Make Everyday Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by washing and drying your mixed greens carefully—excess moisture will water down your salad. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly, dice the avocado just before use, and shred the carrots. Lay everything out so assembly is a breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, layer your prepared mixed greens first, then scatter cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, shredded carrots, crumbled cheese, and sunflower seeds atop. This not only helps with even flavor in every bite, but makes the Everyday Salad look as dazzling as it tastes.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture thickens up and looks glossy. Taste and tweak the balance—sometimes a touch more honey or an extra grind of pepper brightens the whole mix.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, pour your dressing evenly over the salad—start with half and add more if you like things extra flavorful. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together until each leaf is beautifully coated but not weighed down. The avocado and cheese will meld into the greens, making every bite irresistibly creamy and zesty.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

The Everyday Salad is best enjoyed fresh, when the greens are crisp and the flavors at their peak. Dish it out into generous bowls or onto plates and watch it disappear faster than you’d believe!

How to Serve Everyday Salad

Garnishes

Add an extra flourish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of fresh cracked pepper, or a bit more crumbled cheese. A few torn fresh herbs like basil or dill take this Everyday Salad from simple to sensational.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also delightful with a thick slice of crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes, making it a flexible addition to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer the Everyday Salad ingredients on a large platter for a stunning composed look, or serve in mason jars for picnics and meal prep. You can even turn it into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held variation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Everyday Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate if possible, so the greens stay fresh and crisp. Leftovers can last up to 2 days, though the texture is best on day one.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for salads like this—the greens, avocado, and fresh veggies lose their texture after thawing. Stick to prepping ingredients fresh for the best Everyday Salad experience.

Reheating

No reheating needed! The Everyday Salad is a raw, vibrant creation meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’re adding grilled proteins, those can be warmed up before topping the salad.

FAQs

Can I add protein to the Everyday Salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even salmon are fantastic protein additions. This flexibility makes the Everyday Salad not just a side, but a satisfying main course.

What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?

Add the avocado just before serving, and toss it gently with a bit of the dressing—this helps slow oxidation. If you’re prepping in advance, keep the avocado pit with any unused portion and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Which cheese works better: feta or goat cheese?

Both are wonderful! Feta offers a salty, crumbly bite while goat cheese brings creaminess and tang. Try each and see which version of the Everyday Salad becomes your personal favorite.

Are there quick swaps for nuts if I have allergies?

Definitely. Omit the nuts entirely or use roasted pumpkin seeds instead. Toasted chickpeas or crunchy roasted lentils add great texture without the risk for nut-sensitive eaters.

How can I make the Everyday Salad vegan?

Simply omit the cheese or swap it for your favorite plant-based cheese, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The salad is just as tasty (and colorful!) with these easy adjustments.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bright, customizable, and downright delicious salad, go ahead and make Everyday Salad your new kitchen staple. It’s endlessly adaptable, impossibly fresh, and guaranteed to become a highlight at any table—give it a try and fall in love with salad all over again!

Everyday Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and versatile Everyday Salad that combines a mix of greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and more, all tossed in a simple homemade dressing. This salad is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Greens Salad:

6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, arugula)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cucumber (sliced)
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
1 avocado (diced)
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, shredded carrots, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Notes

This salad is endlessly customizable—swap in seasonal vegetables, different greens, or your favorite protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Raw
Cuisine: American