Spring salad

Fresh Spring Salad with Green Lettuce, Radishes, and Green Onions

Spring is a lively season that brings us not only flowers and sunshine but also fresh and delicious ingredients ready to delight our senses. A fresh spring salad with green lettuce, radishes, and green onions is a perfect choice to celebrate the season. This simple and quick recipe is not only a burst of flavors but also offers considerable nutritional benefits. Additionally, it is extremely versatile, serving as a side dish to various meals or as a light and healthy main course.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 head of green lettuce (preferably romaine or iceberg)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 bunch of spring radishes

For the dressing:

- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- a pinch of pepper
- a drizzle of olive oil

Preparation

1. Wash the ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing the lettuce, green onions, and radishes under cold running water. It is important to remove any impurities. You can use a soft brush to clean the radishes, ensuring they are perfect for the salad.

2. Prepare the lettuce: Tear the lettuce leaves into smaller pieces for easy chewing. If using romaine lettuce, you can cut the leaves into long strips for a more stylish look.

3. Slice the onions and radishes: Cut the green onions into thin rounds and slice the radishes. The radishes add a spicy and crunchy note to the salad, while the green onions bring extra freshness.

4. Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, green onions, and radishes. Gently toss to avoid damaging the texture of the ingredients.

5. Prepare the dressing: In a cup, combine the water, balsamic vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a teaspoon until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, add a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the dressing's flavors.

6. Finalize the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to evenly coat the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serving

This fresh salad pairs perfectly with any dish, from meat to fish, or can be served on its own alongside a slice of toasted bread. It is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted with various ingredients such as avocado, feta cheese, or seeds for added texture.

Practical tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Buy lettuce and vegetables that are firm and blemish-free. This will make your salad taste better.
- Garlic variation: For a stronger flavor, you can add a crushed garlic clove to the dressing.
- Ingredient substitutions: You can experiment with other types of lettuce, such as arugula or baby spinach, and with other crunchy vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Alternative dressings: Instead of balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or lemonade for a different taste.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Green lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin A, while radishes are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Green onions provide fiber and can help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?
It is recommended to prepare the salad fresh, but you can chop the vegetables a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, keeping the dressing separate until serving.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can experiment with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even sweet corn for added sweetness.

3. How can I make the salad more filling?
Add protein sources such as grilled chicken, tuna, or cooked chickpeas.

Conclusion

The fresh spring salad with green lettuce, radishes, and green onions is not just a healthy dish, but also an opportunity to enjoy the flavors of this vibrant season. Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this salad will bring a fresh touch and a note of brightness to your meals. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your favorite ingredients to create a unique version that reflects your tastes! Enjoy every bite and embrace good health!