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This refreshing summer salad is my answer to those blazing hot evenings when you crave something light yet satisfying without turning on the stove for long. Packed with crisp veggies and creamy avocado it makes dinner feel like a treat and comes together in minutes.
When my kitchen feels too warm to cook this salad has become my go to. The colors on the table always spark conversation and remind me of Mediterranean vacations with family.
Ingredients
- Mixed greens: choose sturdy leaves like baby spinach or arugula for texture and nutrients
- Cherry tomatoes: halved for sweet pops and vibrant color look for ripe and glossy ones
- Cucumber: sliced for crunch and hydration seek firm and unblemished cucumbers
- Avocado: diced for creamy richness pick ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Red onion: thinly sliced for zing and color aim for crisp onions without sprouting
- Olive oil: use cold pressed extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits
- Lemon juice: fresh squeezed brightens and balances the dish avoid bottled for peak freshness
- Salt and pepper to taste: opt for flaky salt or fresh ground pepper for extra dimension
- Grilled chicken (optional): for added protein and heartiness use high quality or leftover chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry all the greens cherry tomatoes cucumber avocado and red onion carefully. This step keeps everything crisp and free of grit. Patting everything dry prevents sogginess in your salad.
- Build the Salad Base:
- Combine the mixed greens cherry tomatoes cucumber avocado and red onion in a large bowl. Toss lightly with clean hands to avoid bruising the delicate greens and avocado.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil lemon juice salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly so the oil and lemon become glossy and slightly thick.
- Dress and Toss the Salad:
- Drizzle the homemade dressing evenly across the salad. Gently toss with salad servers or clean hands so every piece is coated but not weighed down.
- Add Protein Optional:
- Top with sliced grilled chicken if desired. Ensure the chicken is cooled slightly so it does not wilt the greens. Arrange slices for a pretty presentation.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the flavors and textures are freshest. I love bringing the bowl right to the table for a casual family meal.
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One of my favorite parts of this salad is how creamy the avocado gets when it mixes with the lemony dressing. My kids always call dibs on the biggest chunks and it brings a bit of healthy competition to our dinner table.
Storage Tips
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be eaten within a day for peak freshness. If making ahead keep the dressing and salad separate until just before serving to prevent wilting. Leave out avocado until serving if prepping ahead as it browns quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try baby kale or romaine for the greens if that is what you have on hand. You can swap the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy twist. Add crumbled feta or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for extra flavor and crunch. If you are out of chicken leftover steak or cooked shrimp also work well here.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines as a main course for two or easily stretches to four as a colorful side dish. Serve with crusty bread or a simple bowl of chilled gazpacho for a light summer meal. For a picnic layer all ingredients except dressing in a jar and shake to toss at your destination.
Cultural Background
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors this salad borrows the classic combination of olive oil lemon and fresh produce. It brings a bit of that sun-kissed coastal spirit to your weeknight table and delivers all the vibrancy of those gorgeous markets in Spain or Greece.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas make great alternatives for extra protein.
- → How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss avocado with lemon juice just before serving to help preserve its color and freshness.
- → Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Simply omit feta and opt for more vegetables or use a plant-based cheese.
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep ingredients ahead, but assemble and dress just before serving for best texture.
- → What other additions work well?
Try adding fresh herbs, roasted nuts, or sliced radishes for extra flavor and crunch.