Garden Salad Recipe
This vibrant Garden Salad combines crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber and crunchy grated carrot with a simple homemade Dijon mustard dressing. Fresh, colourful and easy to prepare, it makes a delicious side for family meals, barbecues, picnics and everyday dinners.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Kitchen Knife
- 1 Box Grater:
- 1 Small Jar with a Lid
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 Serving Bowl -
Ingredients
For The Salad
- 1 small head of iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley or chives
For The Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon cooking or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Vegetables
- Wash all the vegetables thoroughly and drain well.
- Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the cucumber.
- Coarsely grate the carrot.
- Add the prepared vegetables to the bowl.
Step 2: Add The Fresh Herbs
- Finely chop the parsley or chives.
- Scatter the herbs over the prepared vegetables.
- Gently mix to distribute them evenly.
Step 3: Make The Homemade Dressing
- Add the extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar to a small jar.
- Add the Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper.
- Secure the lid firmly.
- Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well combined.
Step 4: Taste And Adjust
- Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad.
- Add a little more vinegar for extra tang or olive oil if the flavour is too sharp.
- Add a small amount of honey or sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing.
Step 5: Dress The Salad
- Gradually pour the dressing over the vegetables.
- Gently toss using salad servers or two large spoons.
- Continue until the dressing lightly coats the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and carrot.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
- Transfer the Garden Salad to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately while the vegetables are fresh, crisp and vibrant.
Notes
- 🥬 Use Fresh Lettuce: Choose crisp, firm lettuce leaves and dry them thoroughly after washing for the best texture.
- 🍅 Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Use fresh, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes for vibrant colour and natural sweetness.
- 🥒 Keep the Cucumber Crisp: Slice the cucumber just before assembling the salad to maintain its refreshing crunch.
- 🥕 Grate the Carrot Fresh: Freshly grated carrot adds bright colour, sweetness, and a lovely crunchy texture.
- 🫒 Use Good Olive Oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference because it forms the base of the simple dressing.
- 🥣 Shake the Dressing Well: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar and shake vigorously until blended.
- ⏰ Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing shortly before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
- 🌿 Add Fresh Herbs: A little chopped parsley or chives gives the salad an extra burst of freshness and flavour.
- 🧂 Taste Before Serving: Adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar to suit your preference before tossing the dressing through the vegetables.
- 🥗 Toss Gently: Fold the salad carefully with large spoons or salad servers so the vegetables remain fresh and attractive.