Simple Green Salad is the perfect fresh and flavorful side dish for any meal. Made with tender butter lettuce, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, roasted tamari almonds, and a bright lemon vinaigrette, this healthy green salad comes together in minutes while delivering vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh, crisp, and full of natural flavors.
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect as a light lunch or side salad recipe.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients and healthy fats.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or toppings.
- Family-friendly and ideal for everyday meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 small heads soft lettuce or butter lettuce
- ½ recipe Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup microgreens
- Flaky sea salt, optional
Roasted Tamari Almonds
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ½ tablespoon tamari
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the almonds with the tamari and spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 10–14 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Place the lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Toss gently with several spoonfuls of the lemon vinaigrette.
- Add the cucumber, shaved Parmesan, pepitas, avocado slices, and roasted tamari almonds.
- Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
- Sprinkle with microgreens and season with flaky sea salt to taste.
- Serve your Simple Green Salad immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill the lettuce before serving for extra crispness.
- Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Toast the pepitas for additional nutty flavor.
- Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta or goat cheese if preferred.
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
- Store dressing separately until ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian, Halal-friendly
Notes
- Butter lettuce creates the softest texture, but romaine, mixed greens, or baby spinach also work well.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon vinaigrette to your taste.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta, or soup.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
What lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce provides a delicate texture, but mixed greens, romaine, or leaf lettuce are excellent alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
How can I add more protein?
Top the salad with grilled chicken, cooked chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or sliced boiled eggs.
Can I use another dressing?
Absolutely. While lemon vinaigrette complements this salad beautifully, balsamic vinaigrette or a light herb dressing also pair well.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate whenever possible to preserve freshness. Roasted almonds can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. This salad is not recommended for freezing.
Similar Recipes
Simple Green Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 small heads soft lettuce or butter lettuce
- ½ recipe Lemon Vinaigrette
- 1 Persian cucumber thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pepitas
- 1 avocado thinly sliced
- ¼ cup microgreens
- Flaky sea salt optional
Roasted Tamari Almonds
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ½ tablespoon tamari
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the almonds with the tamari and spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 10–14 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Place the lettuce into a large serving bowl.
- Toss gently with several spoonfuls of the lemon vinaigrette.
- Add the cucumber, shaved Parmesan, pepitas, avocado slices, and roasted tamari almonds.
- Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
- Sprinkle with microgreens and season with flaky sea salt to taste.
- Serve your Simple Green Salad immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
- Butter lettuce creates the softest texture, but romaine, mixed greens, or baby spinach also work well.
- Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon vinaigrette to your taste.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta, or soup.
Conclusion
This Simple Green Salad is proof that fresh ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dish. Crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, crunchy roasted almonds, and bright lemon vinaigrette come together for an easy salad recipe you’ll enjoy throughout the year. Whether served as a light lunch or a fresh side dish, it’s a delicious addition to almost any menu.