Why mixed salad is a good choice
This mixed salad is versatile and easy to make for your family. The combination of crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes provides a satisfying texture in every bite. It requires no cooking time which makes it perfect for busy weekdays or quick weekend lunches. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have available at home.
How to make mixed salad
Prepare vegetables: Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Chop the lettuce into bite sized pieces and place them into a large bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Peel the red onion and cut it into very fine rings.
Combine ingredients: Add the prepared tomatoes, cucumber and onion rings to the bowl with the lettuce. Toss the vegetables gently with your hands or large spoons to distribute them evenly. Make sure the colours are well mixed throughout the bowl for a nice presentation.
Make dressing: Pour the olive oil and lemon juice into a small jar or bowl. Add the salt and pepper, then whisk or shake until the liquid is well combined. This simple vinaigrette adds a bright flavour without overpowering the fresh taste of the mixed salad.
Dress and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables just before you are ready to eat. Toss everything one last time so every leaf is lightly coated. Serve the salad immediately while the vegetables are at their crispest.
Important tips for mixed salad
Dry your lettuce leaves completely before adding any oil or juice to the bowl. If the leaves are wet, the dressing will not stick and the mixed salad will become soggy. You can add extra crunch by tossing in some sunflower seeds or croutons at the end. Try to cut all your vegetables into similar sizes so they are easy to eat with a fork.
Use the best quality olive oil you can find for a richer flavour. If you want a bit of sweetness, a tiny drop of honey works well in the dressing. Only add the salt at the very last moment to keep the cucumber and tomatoes firm.
You can also try these recipes:
creamy fish soup with cod,
salmon with bulgur or
cod with dijon mustard.