This Simple Green Salad is fresh, crisp, and packed with vibrant flavors. Made with tender lettuce, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and roasted tamari almonds, this salad is a delicious side dish or light meal. The homemade lemon vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, refreshing finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful ingredients in every bite
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining
- Loaded with healthy fats and nutrients
- Family-friendly and naturally vegetarian
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 small heads soft lettuce, butter lettuce, or similar
- 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.
- Spread the almonds on the baking sheet and toss with tamari.
- Roast for 10–14 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and allow the almonds to cool for 5 minutes.
- Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly.
- Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Toss gently with a few spoonfuls of lemon vinaigrette.
- Add the sliced cucumber, shaved Parmesan cheese, pepitas, avocado, and roasted tamari almonds.
- Drizzle with additional dressing as desired.
- Top with fresh microgreens.
- Season with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Simple Green Salad.
Tips & Tricks
- Use very fresh lettuce for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill the serving bowl before assembling for an extra-crisp salad.
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for more protein.
- Substitute pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds if needed.
- Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Homemade vinaigrette provides the freshest flavor.
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, Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free tamari)
Notes
- Butter lettuce provides a tender texture, but romaine or mixed greens also work well.
- Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese.
- Serve alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or soup.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQ
What is the best lettuce for a Simple Green Salad?
Butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, and tender leaf lettuce varieties work beautifully because of their delicate texture and mild flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients separately and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
How do I keep avocado from turning brown?
Lightly coat sliced avocado with lemon juice before adding it to the salad.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely. However, homemade lemon vinaigrette offers the freshest flavor and complements the ingredients perfectly.
Is this Simple Green Salad healthy?
Yes. It contains healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrient-rich vegetables.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, chickpeas, or tofu are excellent additions.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Keep dressing separate when possible.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended because lettuce and avocado lose their texture.
Reheating
No reheating is necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Similar Recipes
Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 small heads soft lettuce butter lettuce, or similar
- 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.
- Spread the almonds on the baking sheet and toss with tamari.
- Roast for 10–14 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Remove from the oven and allow the almonds to cool for 5 minutes.
- Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly.
- Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Toss gently with a few spoonfuls of lemon vinaigrette.
- Add the sliced cucumber, shaved Parmesan cheese, pepitas, avocado, and roasted tamari almonds.
- Drizzle with additional dressing as desired.
- Top with fresh microgreens.
- Season with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Simple Green Salad.
Notes
- Butter lettuce provides a tender texture, but romaine or mixed greens also work well.
- Parmesan can be replaced with Pecorino Romano.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese.
- Serve alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or soup.
Conclusion
This Simple Green Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavor. With crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, crunchy roasted almonds, and bright lemon vinaigrette, it’s an easy recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this fresh salad is always a delicious choice.