Ah, summer salads! There’s something so refreshing about tossing together vibrant greens and colorful veggies, especially when the sun is shining. I remember one particularly hot afternoon when I whipped up this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette for a picnic. The zesty vinaigrette just made everything pop, and it was a hit with my friends! What I love most about this dish is how quick and easy it is to prepare—seriously, you can have it ready in just 15 minutes! It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or simply on its own for a light lunch. Trust me, once you taste that bright lemony flavor with the fresh herbs, you’ll be hooked. This salad embodies everything I adore about summer cooking—fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this refreshing summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette. Grab the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of mixed greens (I love using a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine for variety)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweetness is a game-changer!)
- 1 cucumber, sliced (you can peel it if you prefer a milder taste)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (for a nice crunch and bite)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (adds a delightful creaminess)
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced (choose your favorite variety—kalamata or green work great!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is a must!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if you have it on hand)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step—it really brings everything together!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette is as easy as pie—no cooking required! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by washing and drying your mixed greens thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it really gets rid of the excess water!
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything up.
- Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives over the top of the salad. This adds such a lovely burst of flavor!
- Now, it’s time to whip up the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it to make sure it’s just right—don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning!
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with that zesty dressing.
- Serve immediately and watch everyone rave about how delicious it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So refreshing and light, perfect for hot summer days!
- Whips up in just 15 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Packed with vibrant vegetables, making it a healthy choice.
- The lemon herb vinaigrette adds a zesty kick that elevates every bite.
- Versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Tips for Success
To make this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette truly shine, start with the freshest ingredients you can find—crisp greens and ripe tomatoes will elevate your salad to new heights! If you have time, let the vinaigrette sit for a few minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t hesitate to adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to your taste—everyone has their own preference for zing! For a beautiful presentation, try layering the ingredients in a clear bowl to showcase all those vibrant colors. Trust me, it’ll look as good as it tastes!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette! For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for some protein. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even roasted zucchini for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can bring a whole new dimension to the vinaigrette—just chop them up and toss them in! And if you’re a fan of nuts, try sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delightful summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, with 15 grams of fat (2 grams saturated), 4 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. It also has about 3 grams of sugar and 300 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful dish guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating it within a day or two for the best flavor and freshness. The dressing can cause the greens to wilt, so keep it separate if you know you won’t finish it all at once. As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating necessary—just give it a quick toss before serving!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the feta cheese? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try using goat cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative. Both will still add that creamy texture!
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? No worries! Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, but fresh really brings out the best flavor. If you use bottled, just keep an eye on the amount to make sure it’s not too tart.
How long can I store the salad? It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the greens will wilt, so it’s best to store the dressing separately if possible.
Can I add protein to make it a meal? Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even quinoa would make this salad a filling meal. Just toss it in before serving!
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients in this summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
For more delicious salad ideas, check out this green detox soup recipe or this vegetable stir-fry for a healthy twist!
Print
Summer Salad Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Refreshing 15-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing summer salad with a zesty lemon herb vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust the vinaigrette ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: summer salad lemon herb vinaigrette