How to Create a Perfect Summer Garden Salad

Vegetable Preparation

Properly washing, drying, and cutting vegetables to maintain freshness and visual appeal.

Layering Technique

Arranging ingredients thoughtfully for both visual impact and balanced distribution of flavors.

Vinaigrette Emulsion

Creating a perfectly balanced citrus dressing that enhances without overwhelming the fresh vegetables.

Serving Timing

Strategic assembly and dressing application to ensure maximum freshness and texture.

Baking Tips

For the crispest texture, chill the salad bowl and plates before serving.

Dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

If preparing components in advance, store greens and cut vegetables separately and combine at serving time.

Use seasonal, locally grown vegetables for the best flavor and nutrition.

For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hardboiled eggs.

Make extra dressing to keep on hand for quick salads throughout the week.

Refreshing Garden Salad

Name: Refreshing Garden Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the salad:; 6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, basil, parsley), chopped; 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; For the citrus vinaigrette:; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice; 1 small shallot, minced; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional add-ins:; Sliced strawberries or blueberries; Edible flowers for garnish; Grilled chicken or shrimp; Croutons or toasted bread cubes

Refreshing Garden Salad combines crisp seasonal vegetables, tender greens, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a perfect summer dish. This vibrant, easy-to-prepare salad showcases the freshest produce of the season.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the salad:

6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, basil, parsley), chopped

1/3 cup sunflower seeds or toasted almonds

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the citrus vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1 small shallot, minced

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional add-ins:

Sliced strawberries or blueberries

Edible flowers for garnish

Grilled chicken or shrimp

Croutons or toasted bread cubes

Instructions

Wash and dry all salad greens and vegetables thoroughly.

In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as the base layer.

Top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and radishes.

Sprinkle the fresh herbs, sunflower seeds or toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese over the vegetables.

For the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, minced shallot, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side to allow guests to dress their own portions.

Toss gently to coat all ingredients if serving family-style.

Garnish with additional fresh herbs or edible flowers if desired.

Refreshing Garden Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create a Perfect Summer Garden Salad

Refreshing Garden Salad

Ingredients

Instructions