A delicious Tossed Salad is an excellent addition to any meal and, when paired with lean protein, can serve as a tasty and filling entrée.
I’ve been experimenting with salads quite a bit lately. Using pre-washed greens makes it so easy. Besides, when you go to one of the big box stores and buy a huge tub of mixed greens, you save money and time. There’s nothing easier than taking handfuls of lettuce and putting them in a bowl for a quick salad.
Of course, you want more than a bowl of lettuce for lunch or dinner though. That’s where the fun comes in, as you get to choose your favorite additions. There’s no right or wrong here. The variations are endless, and you may find that no two salads are ever alike by mixing things up. To point you in the right direction, however, here’s a simple recipe for tossed salad which will provide the perfect base for your infinitely customizable salads.
Is Tossed Salad Healthy?
Although the term “salad” conjures up thoughts of healthy eating, that is not always the case. Plenty of salads contain creamy, sugary, saturated fat-laden dressings and toppings that can rapidly add up to thousands of calories. Add crispy fried chicken, croutons, bacon, and ranch dressing, and suddenly you could have over a day’s worth of sodium in your “healthy salad.”
A tossed salad like this is a better choice when you want a healthy salad. The majority of the fat comes from heart-healthy olive oil. It is lower in sugar and sodium than many other salads, too. The varied vegetables provide abundant nutrients, while sticking to a dressing made with olive oil and avoiding excess sugar and salt helps keep things nice and healthy.
Why Is It Called Tossed Salad?
When I think of tossed food, a pizza crust is the first thing that comes to mind. Imagining a chef tossing lettuce and veggies in the air sounds strange—and messy. However, you do “toss” your salad in a bowl to mix the ingredients.
I like to toss my salad in a large bowl with two salad serving spoons. That way, the dressing can work its way through the veggies and greens. Another option is a large Tupperware bowl that you can seal with its lid, and you can simply shake it to toss your salad.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup radishes, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare
Combine salad ingredients in a bowl.
Dress
Whisk together dressing ingredients.
Serve
Toss salad with dressing and serve.
Devour!
How to Make Ahead and Store
I don’t often recommend making salad ahead of time because the lettuce can wilt. However, you can prepare your veggies and dressing the day before and store them in the refrigerator in the appropriate separate containers. Then, when you are ready to eat, assemble your salad and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
A tossed salad is the perfect accompaniment to Salmon Cakes, Easy Jerk Chicken With Pineapple, and Smoked Meatloaf. Combine a salad with a sandwich for a tasty lunch. I recommend Avocado Grilled Cheese and Brisket Sandwiches. I also like to pair soup and salad together. Some great options include Chicken Tomato Soup, Ham and Lentil Soup, and Carrot-Ginger Soup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 3/4 cucumber sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup radishes sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and radishes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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