Refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion. With a beautiful blend of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy beefsteak tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber, each bite bursts with freshness. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette balances tangy and sweet flavors with a touch of garlic and a hint of Dijon mustard, making it the ideal dressing to enhance your salad experience. Whether served as a light lunch, an appetizer, or a side, this salad is sure to satisfy and impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
light brown sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic clove
1 (crushed through a press)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup (none)
red onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
romaine lettuce
1 large head (rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces)
beefsteak tomato
1 large (cut into eighths)
seedless cucumber
1 (unpeeled and thinly sliced)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the balsamic vinaigrette. In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, light brown sugar, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper until combined.
2
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to whisk, mixing until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
3
To mellow the flavor of the red onion, place the sliced onion in a small bowl and cover it with iced water. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, drained red onion, beefsteak tomato wedges, and sliced cucumber.
5
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture, starting with a small amount and tossing gently to coat the vegetables evenly. Add more dressing to your taste.
6
Season the salad with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
7
Serve immediately on chilled salad plates for a refreshing experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this salad recipe?
The recipe is called Refreshing Mixed Green Salad with Zesty Balsamic Vinaigrette.
What are the primary vegetables in this salad?
The primary vegetables are romaine lettuce, beefsteak tomatoes, seedless cucumber, and red onion.
How many servings does this salad recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses both balsamic vinegar and red wine vinegar.
Why should I soak the red onion in iced water?
Soaking the red onion in iced water for 10 minutes helps to mellow its sharp flavor.
What is the base oil for the balsamic vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the romaine lettuce be prepared?
The romaine lettuce should be rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
What type of tomato is recommended?
The recipe calls for one large beefsteak tomato cut into eighths.
Is the cucumber peeled or unpeeled?
The recipe specifies using an unpeeled, thinly sliced seedless cucumber.
How do I make the vinaigrette smooth and emulsified?
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking the other ingredients.
What provides the sweetness in the dressing?
One teaspoon of light brown sugar is added to balance the tangy flavors.
How is the garlic prepared for the dressing?
One garlic clove is crushed through a press.
What kind of mustard is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Can I serve this salad as a main course?
While perfect as a side or appetizer, it is also suitable for a light lunch.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is tagged as vegetarian.
How should I serve the salad for the best experience?
It is recommended to serve the salad immediately on chilled salad plates.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include mixed green salad, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy salad, fresh vegetables, light lunch, side dish, vegetarian, and easy recipe.
How much salt is in the dressing itself?
The dressing contains 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus additional to taste for the salad.
What kind of pepper is best for this salad?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for both the dressing and seasoning.
How long do I soak the onions?
The onions should soak for about 10 minutes.
Should I add all the dressing at once?
No, start with a small amount and toss gently, adding more to your taste.
What is the texture of the romaine lettuce in this dish?
The romaine lettuce provides a crisp and crunchy texture.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless?
The recipe specifies seedless, but regular cucumbers can be used if preferred.
What bowl size is recommended for mixing the dressing?
A medium-sized bowl is recommended for whisking the vinaigrette.
Do I need to dry the onions after soaking?
Yes, after draining the iced water, you should pat the onions dry.
How is the salad categorized?
It is categorized under Salad Dressings.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe.
What size is the head of romaine lettuce?
The recipe calls for one large head of romaine lettuce.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The provided data does not specify calories or other macronutrient values.