Big Beautiful Summer Salad
Hey there, foodie friends! 🌺 Get ready to embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this Big Beautiful Summer Salad. It’s a showstopper that will have you feeling refreshed, nourished, and absolutely delighted with every bite. Packed with a kaleidoscope of colorful veggies, juicy fruits, and a tantalizing dressing, this salad is a true celebration of the season’s bounty.
Ingredients
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
For the Honey Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, avocado, mango, and red onion.
- To make the Honey Balsamic Dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, and fresh basil chiffonade over the top.
- Gently toss the salad once more to distribute the toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this Big Beautiful Summer Salad as a refreshing main course or a vibrant side dish.
Additional Tips
- Feel free to swap out or add any of your favorite seasonal fruits and veggies to make this salad your own.
- For an extra protein punch, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or your preferred plant-based protein source.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can increase the amount of balsamic vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it with a bit of lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.
Nutritional Value
This Big Beautiful Summer Salad is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a delightful blend of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.