Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed baby field greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Rinse the tomato and cucumber. Dice the tomato into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Peel the cucumber if desired, slice lengthwise if very large, then cut into 1/4-inch half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons and separate into rings.

Assemble salad

Place the dried baby greens in a large salad bowl. Scatter the diced tomato, cucumber slices, and sliced red onion evenly over the greens. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Season lightly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, tossing gently to combine so the seasoning distributes without bruising the greens.

Serve with a choice of dressing: drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette (see below) just before serving or offer the homemade ranch on the side. Toss only enough salad with dressing for immediate serving to keep the greens crisp.

Balsamic Vinaigrette (optional)

Make vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk or shake until combined.

Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil while whisking constantly (or add oil to jar and shake vigorously) until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Store unused vinaigrette refrigerated up to 5 days.

Homemade Ranch (optional)

Make ranch dressing

In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup buttermilk and 1/4 cup sour cream until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh dill, chives, and parsley. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust thickness with additional buttermilk (1 tsp at a time) and seasoning as needed.

Chill the ranch in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.