Get ready to experience a culinary journey that captures the essence of sunny Spanish afternoons with this incredibly fresh and zesty summer salad! Imagine crisp mixed greens dancing with juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber, and tangy red onions, all brought together by a simple yet magical olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. This isn't just a salad - it's a Mediterranean escape on a plate that will make your summer dining unforgettable.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by washing the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them gently with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. If they are particularly large, you may want to quarter them for easier eating.
- Peel the cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon if desired, then slice the cucumber into half-moons or thin rounds, according to your preference.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If the flavor of raw onion is too strong for your taste, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Use a ratio of about 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar for a balanced dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary based on your preference.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
- Divide the salad among four serving plates or bowls. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips
- • For the most vibrant flavors, use the freshest ingredients possible - ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp greens make all the difference. • To reduce the sharp bite of raw onions, soak sliced red onions in cold water for 5-10 minutes before adding to the salad. • Adjust the olive oil to vinegar ratio to suit your taste - some prefer a more acidic dressing, while others like it smoother. • Serve the salad immediately after dressing to maintain the crispness of the greens. • For an extra touch of authenticity, consider adding some olives or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
