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market salad

Fresh Farmers Market Salad

A vibrant, colorful market salad featuring the freshest seasonal vegetables tossed with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Green Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, and leaf lettuce work beautifully
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper red, yellow, or orange, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup radishes thinly sliced, optional
  • 1 avocado diced, optional
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts walnuts or almonds, optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs basil, mint, or dill, optional
For the Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Salad spinner
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly using a salad spinner. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients for maximum crispness.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: slice cucumber into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper into ΒΌ-inch pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. For milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens as the foundation of your market salad.
  5. Arrange the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion over the greens, creating colorful layers.
  6. Add any optional ingredients you're using, such as radishes, avocado, toasted nuts, or fresh herbs.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Drizzle the dressing over the market salad just before serving.
  10. Toss gently using salad tongs to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with dressing without crushing the delicate greens.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately on chilled plates for the freshest experience.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese and add extra avocado or olives for richness.
  • This salad is extremely versatile - use whatever vegetables are in season and at their peak freshness.
  • If meal prepping, keep dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent soggy greens.
  • For a complete meal, add a protein source like grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas.