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For a truly garden-fresh summer salad, start with vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups mixed baby greens (a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, peeled and diced - 1 bell pepper (either red or yellow), chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup corn kernels (freshly cooked or canned) - 1 ripe avocado, diced - ¼ red onion, finely sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped Using fresh produce gives your salad a crisp taste. Each item adds color and nutrients. The greens serve as a base. The tomatoes and peppers add sweetness. The corn brings crunch. You’ll love the creamy avocado and salty feta! You can personalize your salad easily. Here are some tasty add-ins: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Quinoa for extra fiber and texture - Sliced olives for a briny kick - Nuts or seeds for crunch These add-ins make your salad more filling. Choose what you like best! You can mix and match based on your mood or what you have at home. A great dressing ties everything together. For this salad, you need: - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste This simple dressing is light and bright. The olive oil adds richness. The balsamic vinegar gives it a tangy kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to make it just right for you. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, wash your mixed baby greens. Make sure to dry them gently. This helps keep the salad crisp. Once dry, place them in a large salad bowl. This creates a great base for your salad. Next, layer the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the greens. Then, add the diced cucumber and chopped bell pepper. These veggies bring color and crunch to the dish. Don't forget the sweet corn kernels! They add a nice texture and a touch of sweetness. Now, it’s time to add the creamy avocado. Dice it and gently fold it into the salad. This keeps the avocado intact. Then, add the thinly sliced red onion for a bit of bite. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top for a salty flavor. The fresh basil adds a lovely aroma. For the dressing, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Season it with salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined. Drizzle this dressing over your salad. Toss everything gently to coat. Finally, taste it. Adjust salt and pepper for your perfect flavor. Enjoy your fresh salad! You can find the full recipe [here](#). To make your salad shine, use bright bowls. Serve it in individual portions for a fancy touch. Add a sprinkle of extra feta on top. A few fresh basil leaves also make a great garnish. For a special look, drizzle balsamic reduction over each serving. This adds both flavor and visual appeal. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. You might also include fruits, such as sliced strawberries or juicy peaches. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a new twist. For a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Just remember, balance is key! One common mistake is over-dressing the salad. Too much dressing can drown the fresh flavors. Start with a little, and add more if needed. Another mistake is cutting veggies too small. Larger pieces keep the crunch and texture. Finally, don’t forget to taste before serving. Adjust seasoning to suit your taste buds. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this salad for special diets. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Instead, use tofu or nuts for a protein boost. If you want a gluten-free option, all ingredients are already safe. Just be sure to check any packaged items for hidden gluten. You can swap ingredients based on the season. In summer, use ripe peaches instead of tomatoes. In fall, try roasted squash in place of corn. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting all year. Feel free to mix and match what’s in your garden or local market. Want to make your salad more fun? Add sliced radishes for a peppery crunch. Nuts like almonds or walnuts add a great texture. You could also toss in herbs like dill or cilantro for a different flavor. Don't shy away from experimenting. Each add-on can change the taste and feel of your dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas and inspiration! To keep your garden fresh summer salad tasty, store it right. Use an airtight container. This helps avoid moisture loss. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to enjoy it later, store the dressing separately. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh. Wash your vegetables before storage. After washing, dry them well to avoid sogginess. You can wrap herbs like basil in a damp paper towel. This helps keep them fresh for longer. For tomatoes, store them at room temperature. This keeps their taste and texture just right. This salad is best enjoyed cold. If you want to warm it up, just use a quick microwave blast. Heat for only a few seconds to avoid mushy greens. When serving, toss the salad gently to mix the flavors. You can add more feta or basil for a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. The best summer vegetables for salad include tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. You can also use zucchini, radishes, and corn. They add color and crunch. Fresh herbs like basil and cilantro enhance the flavor. Choose veggies that are in season for the best taste. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad without the dressing. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you are ready to eat, add the dressing. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. A light vinaigrette works well with summer salad. You can use olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Lemon juice also adds a nice touch. For a creamier option, try a yogurt-based dressing. These dressings bring out the flavors of the fresh vegetables. For the full recipe, check out the Garden Fresh Summer Salad Delight. In this blog post, we explored how to make a fresh summer salad. We started with the best ingredients and optional add-ins. Then, we covered easy steps to prepare the base and mix in tasty veggies. I shared tips for great presentation and flavor boosts. We also discussed how to adapt this salad for diets and seasons. Lastly, we highlighted storage tips to keep everything fresh. Enjoy experimenting with your salad to make it your own. You have all the tools for success!

Garden Fresh Summer Salad

Experience the freshness of summer with our Garden Fresh Summer Salad Delight! This vibrant salad features mixed baby greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a light balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or a side dish at gatherings, this recipe is easy to whip up in just 15 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

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

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, peeled and diced

1 bell pepper (either red or yellow), chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup corn kernels (freshly cooked or canned)

1 ripe avocado, diced

¼ red onion, finely sliced

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Start by thoroughly washing and gently drying the mixed baby greens. Once ready, transfer them into a spacious salad bowl to create a lush base for your salad.

    Layer the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped bell pepper atop the bed of greens, followed by the sweet corn kernels for a splash of color and crunch.

      Carefully incorporate the diced avocado and thinly sliced red onion into the salad, using gentle folding motions to preserve the avocado’s integrity.

        For a burst of flavor, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped fresh basil over the colorful salad mixture.

          In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk vigorously until the dressing is well-blended and smooth.

            Evenly drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring it reaches all corners, and gently toss all ingredients together to coat them lightly in the dressing.

              Finally, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more sea salt or freshly cracked pepper as needed for your desired flavor.

                Vorbereitungszeit, Gesamtzeit, Portionen: 15 Minuten | 15 Minuten | 4 Portionen

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve this vibrant salad in individual bowls or plates. For an eye-catching finish, top each serving with a sprinkle of additional feta cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. An elegant drizzle of balsamic reduction can enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile, making your dish restaurant-worthy!