Name: Simple Green Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 small heads of soft lettuce, butter lettuce or similar; 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced; ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons pepitas; 1 avocado, thinly sliced; ¼ cup microgreens; Flaky sea salt, optional; Use half portion of your preferred lemon vinaigrette recipe; ½ cup raw almonds; ½ tablespoon tamari

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 7 reviews

If you are looking to brighten your meal with freshness and crunch, this Simple Green Salad is an absolute game-changer. It brings together tender butter lettuce, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and a vibrant lemon vinaigrette that dances on your taste buds. Every bite bursts with varied textures—from the buttery leaves to the nutty roasted almonds—making it a perfect side or light meal that feels anything but ordinary. This Simple Green Salad will soon become your go-to when you want something quick, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.

Simple Green Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because the ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and colors. Each element plays a vital role, whether it adds a fresh crunch, creamy smoothness, or a savory pop that brings the salad alive.

2 small heads of soft lettuce, such as butter lettuce: Provides a delicate, tender base that’s not overpowering and lets other ingredients shine.
Lemon vinaigrette, half recipe: A bright, zesty dressing that lifts the greens and ties everything together.
1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds crispness and a cool refreshing bite to balance the richness.
¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami touch with a lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2 tablespoons pepitas: These toasted pumpkin seeds contribute a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
1 avocado, thinly sliced: Brings creamy smoothness that pairs beautifully with the crisp veggies.
¼ cup microgreens: Delicate and colorful, microgreens add freshness and a bit of visual flair.
Flaky sea salt, optional: A final sprinkle for enhancing flavors with its light crunch and salty punch.
Roasted Tamari Almonds: Made from ½ cup raw almonds and ½ tablespoon tamari, these almonds add a robust, savory nibble that elevates every forkful.

How to Make Simple Green Salad

Step 1: Roast the Tamari Almonds

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Toss ½ cup of raw almonds with ½ tablespoon of tamari until well coated and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 10 to 14 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once done, let them cool for at least 5 minutes—this step transforms these almonds from plain nuts to irresistible little bursts of flavor that complement the salad’s fresh ingredients perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce and Veggies

While your almonds cool, rinse the butter lettuce gently under cold water, then pat dry or spin in a salad spinner to remove all moisture. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Thinly slice the Persian cucumber and avocado, which will bring that fresh crunch and creaminess to the bowl.

Step 3: Toss with Lemon Vinaigrette

In a large mixing bowl, add the torn lettuce and drizzle with a few spoonfuls of your homemade lemon vinaigrette. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated. This bright vinaigrette is the star dressing that lifts the whole salad by adding a zesty zing and keeping things lively and fresh.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Now is the time to add your cucumber slices, shaved Parmesan, pepitas, tamari roasted almonds, and sliced avocado. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the ingredients evenly. Drizzle a bit more vinaigrette on top for extra flavor, then crown the salad with a handful of vibrant microgreens. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to add little bursts of salty goodness.

How to Serve Simple Green Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to add a personalized touch and elevate the salad’s presentation. Microgreens offer a beautiful, fresh contrast while the flaky sea salt adds just the right amount of sparkle. You can also try some lemon zest or freshly cracked black pepper to ramp up the aroma and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This Simple Green Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a hearty grain bowl. Its light, crisp nature complements rich proteins and heavier dishes with ease, balancing your meal with freshness and vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or pretty wooden salad bowls to showcase the beautiful colors and textures. Another fun idea is to create salad cups using large lettuce leaves as edible “bowls,” perfect for parties and gatherings where bite-sized elegance matters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day or two, as the delicate greens can start to wilt and lose their crispness.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended because the texture of the lettuce and avocado will degrade significantly upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary and would take away from its crisp, refreshing nature. Instead, enjoy it cold for the best taste and texture experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for this Simple Green Salad?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce is ideal for its tenderness, you can swap in romaine, green leaf, or even baby kale depending on what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor changes with each choice.

What can I substitute for tamari in the roasted almonds?

If tamari is not available, soy sauce or coconut aminos work well as substitutes and offer a similar savory depth to the almonds.

Is this Simple Green Salad gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs.

Can I make my lemon vinaigrette from scratch?

Definitely! A simple mix of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a touch of honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper creates a fantastic vinaigrette that brightens the entire salad.

Can I add protein to make this salad more filling?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent additions that elevate the salad into a satisfying main dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this Simple Green Salad is exactly what you need. Its vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and bright, zesty dressing make it a joyful dish to prepare and share. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to salad that feels like a breath of fresh air any time you eat it.