Garden Salad Recipe

Prepare vegetables

Wash and thoroughly dry the baby greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Rinse the red bell pepper, tomato, cucumber, and parsley under cold water.

Core and seed the red bell pepper, then slice into thin strips and measure 1/2 cup. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Cut the tomato into 6–8 wedges (or dice if preferred) and add to the bowl.

Trim the cucumber ends, halve lengthwise and slice into 1/4-inch half-moons until you have 1/2 cup; add to the bowl.

Peel and very thinly slice the red onion; measure 2 tablespoons of slices (adjust to taste) and add to the bowl.

Halve the avocado, remove the pit, dice the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes, gently scoop into a small bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Add avocado to the mixing bowl just before serving.

Add the 5 cups of baby greens to the bowl with the vegetables and gently toss once or twice with clean salad tongs to combine. If preparing ahead, keep the avocado separate until service.

Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and transfer the salad to individual plates or a serving bowl. Serve with the vinaigrette on the side.

In a small bowl or jar, combine 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk while slowly streaming in 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. Alternatively, put all ingredients in a lidded jar and shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds.

Taste and adjust seasoning: add a pinch more salt, a squeeze more honey for sweetness, or a splash more balsamic for acidity as desired. Keep the dressing on the side to accommodate guests who want less or no dressing.

If you need the salad to be soy-free, this dressing as written is already soy-free. To make it oil-free (if requested), use 3 tablespoons extra balsamic and omit the olive oil, whisking with a bit of water to reach the desired consistency.