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If you’re looking for the best side salad recipe, an easy one, you’re in the right place! I was on the hunt for the best side salad recipe, something that could be made with a few ingredients and nothing too crazy, and finally put it together and haven’t looked back. I’ve made this side salad more times than I can count, and think you’re going to love it!

This salad could not be easier. The hardest part of this salad is cutting up all of the ingredients! And if you’ve seen a glimpse into my household, you know that I have Ben to help with that. He loves to help in the kitchen and always uses these knives to stay safe (below he is chopping cucumbers for this easy cucumber salad)

There are no crazy ingredients in this side salad. It’s made with greens (I like a mix of spring greens and romaine), tomato, cucumber and green or red onion (I like green onions over red onion because they’re not as strong and you won’t be left with an ‘oniony’ taste in your mouth.) That’s it!

Are you wondering what dressing to use on a side salad? Well, earlier this week, I shared the best vinaigrette recipe and it’s my absolute favorite on salads. You can, of course, select any of your favorite dressing to enjoy on this side salad.

In case you missed it, the vinaigrette dressing is super easy! Simple whisk together the below ingredients and have a vinaigrette you will use over and over and can store in your refrigerator for up to a month.

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbs. dijon mustard
2-3 tsp. honey
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

If you feel like getting extra fancy with your side salad, add a cheese! My preferred addition is feta or parmesan, but you can’t really go wrong! And an extra crunchy addition would be tossing on some pre-made croutons (if you have time to toast your own, go for it!)

A lot of times, for lunch, I prefer to have a salad because it fills me up, helps me get my veggies in and doesn’t make me want to fall asleep at 3pm after a heavy, hearty lunch. One of my favorite lunchtime salads is my spinach salad with soft boiled egg. By adding egg and bacon, it feels hearty and filling.

So, with this recipe, I will simply take a tilapia fillet from the freezer, bake it oven with a little vinaigrette recipe drizzled on top and then toss it on top of the side salad. Viola, an easy, healthy lunch!

This salad is super good with chicken or a pork chop served along side (I love making these 5 ingredient oven baked pork chops with mozzarella crumb topping) it for a complete meal. But really, any time you’re looking for an easy side salad, this is your go-to!

The Best Side Salad Recipe

This is the recipe you need for the best side salad that is so simple to put together!

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Print Rate

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: 2 side salads

Equipment

Ingredients

1/4 cup grape or cherry tomatoes diced
1/4 cup cucumbers diced
2 Green onion or 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
4 cups greens I like spring mix with romaine

Instructions

Dice tomatoes, cucumbers and onions
Combine with lettuce mix and divide between two bowls
Top with your favorite dressing ( like this vinaigrette)

Video

Notes

This salad can easily be made into more servings by increasing quantities of ingredients.

The nutrition information presented on this site should be considered an estimate as the calculations will change based on the exact products you use in your own kitchen.