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- 2 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, and kale) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) - 1 avocado, diced - ¼ red onion, thinly sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste This recipe serves four. Each serving is light and fresh. You can garnish with extra feta and basil. A drizzle of balsamic reduction makes it look fancy. To keep things easy, I love to prep all the fresh produce before starting. This helps me work fast and enjoy the process. Start by washing and drying the mixed baby greens. I like to rinse them under cold water. After that, spin them in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean towel. This step keeps the leaves crisp and fresh. Next, chop and slice the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber. For the bell pepper, remove the seeds and chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you have corn, use fresh kernels or canned ones. Drain and rinse canned corn for the best taste. Finally, slice the red onion thinly. Now, layer the ingredients in your large salad bowl. Start with those fresh greens at the bottom. This will hold everything together. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, and corn on top of the greens. Gently fold in the diced avocado. Be careful not to mash the avocado while mixing. It adds a creamy texture to the salad. Then, sprinkle the sliced red onion over the top for a bit of zing. To prepare the dressing, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This step takes just a minute and adds great flavor. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Now it’s time to toss everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients list above. Enjoy your fresh summer salad! Choosing ripe tomatoes is key. Look for ones that feel firm and smell sweet. Their color should be bright and even. If you find heirloom tomatoes, grab them! They add unique flavors. Picking fresh herbs makes a big difference. Basil is great for this salad. Smell the leaves; they should smell strong and fresh. Avoid any brown or wilted leaves. Prepping ingredients in advance saves time. Wash and dry your greens early. Chop the veggies and place them in separate bowls. This step makes assembly quick and easy. Using kitchen tools helps speed up prep. A sharp knife cuts through veggies smoothly. A salad spinner quickly dries greens, keeping them crisp. Consider using a mandoline for even slices. Substitutions for ingredients can add a twist. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or fresh mozzarella. These swaps keep the salad tasty. Adding a sprinkle of chili flakes can bring heat. Try sunflower seeds or walnuts for crunch. They add texture and healthy fats. {{image_2}} To keep your Garden Fresh Summer Salad exciting, try adding seasonal fruits. Fresh berries or peaches can add a sweet touch. You can also mix in nuts or seeds. Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch and flavor. Changing the dressing can alter the salad's taste. Use different vinegars like red wine or apple cider. Each vinegar offers a unique zing. If you prefer creaminess, try a yogurt-based dressing. It adds a rich texture and taste. Want to make your salad more filling? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. They bring a savory flavor that complements the fresh veggies. For a vegetarian option, quinoa or beans work well. Both add protein and fiber, making your salad a complete meal. To keep your salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. If you mixed the salad, it will last for about two days. To keep things crisp, store components separately. For example, keep greens apart from tomatoes and cucumbers. This way, they stay fresh longer. I love preparing salad jars for easy meals. Start by placing the dressing at the bottom. Then add hearty items like cucumbers and bell peppers. Layer the greens on top. This keeps everything from getting soggy. Store jars in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to eat, just shake and enjoy! If you add proteins like chicken or shrimp, you might want to warm them. Reheat proteins gently in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Avoid cooking them too long, or they will dry out. For best results, use a skillet on low heat. This way, your proteins stay tasty and moist. To make this salad vegan, you can swap out the feta cheese. Use a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. For the dressing, replace the regular balsamic vinegar with a vegan-friendly option. You can also use lemon juice for a fresh twist. This keeps the salad tasty and vibrant without dairy. If you have leftover ingredients, don’t throw them out! You can create a veggie stir-fry. Just sauté the extra bell peppers, corn, and onion for a quick dish. Another idea is to make a refreshing salsa. Combine diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion with some lime juice. You can serve this over grilled fish or chicken. You can prepare this salad ahead of time! Wash and chop all your veggies and store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best taste and texture. You can store everything for up to two days in airtight containers. This blog post shows you how to make a tasty garden fresh summer salad. We covered all the important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. Fresh produce gives the best flavor, while different dressings add variety. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. You can make this salad your own, depending on what you like. Happy cooking!

Garden Fresh Summer Salad

Create a refreshing Garden Fresh Summer Salad that's perfect for warm days! Packed with vibrant veggies and creamy avocado, this salad is not only delicious but also quick to make in just 15 minutes. Discover the step-by-step recipe and impress your family or guests with this colorful dish. Dive into summer flavors and brighten your meals—click through now for the full recipe and elevate your salad game!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, and kale)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)

1 avocado, diced

¼ red onion, thinly sliced

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by washing and drying the mixed baby greens. Place them into a large salad bowl as the base of your salad.

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped bell pepper, and corn kernels on top of the greens.

      Gently fold in the diced avocado and sliced red onion, being careful not to mash the avocado.

        Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil over the salad for added flavor and color.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.

            Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad, then toss everything gently to ensure all ingredients are coated.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls, garnished with extra feta and basil leaves on top. A decorative drizzle of balsamic reduction can add an elegant touch.