Salad with green lettuce, tomatoes, and onion

Fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and green onion - an explosion of flavors and colors!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Are you looking for a delicious, refreshing, and healthy salad? This fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and green onion is the perfect choice! It’s a simple recipe that combines fresh and flavorful ingredients, ideal for any meal of the day or as a side dish with grilled dishes. Here’s how you can quickly prepare this tasty salad!

Necessary ingredients

- 1 head of lettuce (about 200g, choose a tender lettuce like iceberg or romaine)
- 1 cucumber (preferably organic, for a more intense flavor)
- 3 tomatoes (choose ripe, juicy tomatoes)
- 1 red or green bell pepper (for a contrast of colors and flavors)
- 1 teaspoon of green onion (about 2-3 stalks)
- 3 radishes (for a crunch and a slightly spicy flavor)
- 1 lemon (fresh juice is essential)
- Salt to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil (a good quality will make a difference)

A brief history of salads

Salads have a long history, dating back to antiquity when they were served as appetizers or side dishes. They have evolved over time, adapting to available ingredients and cultural preferences. Whether simple or elaborate, salads remain a popular choice due to their versatility and nutritional benefits.

Preparation techniques

1. Wash the ingredients well: Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables under cold running water. Make sure to remove any residues or pesticides, especially if you choose organic ingredients.

2. Preparing the salad:
- Lettuce: Tear the lettuce leaves into larger pieces or chop them with a knife, according to preference. This will add texture and make the salad more appetizing.
- Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes thinly or cut them into cubes, depending on preference. Uniform cutting will help the salad look better and mix more easily.
- Cucumber: Peel the cucumber (if you want a finer texture) and slice it thinly.
- Radishes: Slice the radishes very thinly or julienne them. These will add crunch and a distinct flavor.
- Bell pepper: Cut the bell pepper into thin strips (julienne) to keep the crunch. The combination of colors will make the salad more appealing.

3. Green onion: Chop the green onion finely and add it to the salad for a slightly spicy and fresh taste.

4. Seasoning:
- Put all the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Add salt to taste and let them sit for 10 minutes. This time will help release the juices from the vegetables and enhance the flavors.
- After 10 minutes, add the olive oil and squeeze the juice from the lemon. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Serving and variations

This salad is delicious served immediately, but it can be refrigerated to be enjoyed later. It is perfect alongside grilled dishes, such as chicken or fish, but can also be a quick lunch alongside a slice of whole-grain bread.

If you want to add a personal touch, you can try including ingredients like avocado, olives, or feta cheese. You can also replace the lemon with balsamic vinegar for a different flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The greens and colorful vegetables provide fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet. It can be an ideal choice for those looking to maintain their weight, being low in calories but rich in nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! You can experiment with vegetables like carrots, celery, or even cabbage. Each addition will offer a different texture and flavor.

2. How can I keep the salad fresh?
To keep the salad crunchy, it is recommended to consume it fresh. If you need to store it, keep the vegetables separate from the dressing.

3. Can the salad be prepared in advance?
You can prepare the vegetables a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.

Personal note

This salad reminds me of warm summer days when I would eat with friends at a barbecue. It’s a simple recipe, yet full of flavor, that always brings a smile to the faces of loved ones. Try it yourself; I’m sure it will become one of your favorites! Enjoy your meal!