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You'll love how this colorful salad packs loads of flavor and texture in every mouthful. Fresh lettuce lays a soft base, sliced avocado brings smoothness, roasted almonds add the perfect crunch, and the bright zip of lemon vinaigrette brings it all together. Honestly, it's wild how a few good ingredients tossed together can end up tasting this good.
I whipped up this salad a long time ago when I needed a trusty side to go with a bunch of different meals. What started as an easy fix is now a go-to at my dinners. Folks always love how light it is and they usually want to know what's in the dressing.
Lively Greens Guide
- Tamari almonds: Salty, crunchy, and just the right touch for every bite.
- Avocado: Creamy slices mellow out the zingy dressing.
- Mixed lettuces: These give a cool, fresh crunch at the base.
Simple Salad Assembly
- Smart Finishing Touches:
- Toss almonds and avocado on top at the end so they stay nice and firm.
- Even Mixing Trick:
- Pour your dressing along the edge of your bowl and give everything a good toss for even coating.
- Dressing Whiz Hack:
- Mix lemon with mustard, then slowly pour in olive oil as you whisk so it turns out creamy and smooth.
- Lettuce Prep Know-How:
- Tear larger leaves up with your hands instead of slicing—this helps keep the edges from turning brown.
So, my friend Lisa thought she wasn’t into salads. But after she tried this one at my BBQ, she was hooked. She makes it all the time now, playing with different nuts and cheese too.
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Wholesome Nutrition Perks
Avocado and olive oil give you those good-for-you fats, fresh greens mean lots of vitamins, and the nuts add some plant-based protein for a solid meal all around.
Tasty Pairing Ideas
Goes so well next to grilled chicken, hearty pastas, or even a slice of quiche. It works well to balance out heavier dishes too.
Fun Ways to Make It Yours
- Switch with the Seasons: Throw in asparagus during spring, apples and pecans when it’s fall, summer’s all about cherry tomatoes, and in winter, go for citrus.
- Try New Flavors: Add feta and olives for a Mediterranean twist, a handful of mandarins and sesame for Asian vibes, or some black beans with lime to go Mexican-inspired.
Keep It Fresh Longer
- Make-Ahead Magic:
- Wash and dry your lettuce three days before—keep it with a paper towel so it stays crisp.
- Day-Of Planning:
- Mix up your nuts and dressing the day before—add the avocado just before it's time to eat so it looks and tastes best.
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This easy green salad makes any meal feel a little more special without a lot of effort. It works for weeknights, holidays, or whenever you want something crisp and fresh on your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it possible to prep this green salad in advance?
- You can easily get some things ready ahead—toast the almonds way before and keep them sealed so they stay crunchy. Rinse and dry the lettuce, slice the cucumber, and shave the cheese a day early, storing them all separately in the fridge. Only cut up the avocado and toss everything in dressing right before eating since avocado browns and greens wilt if they sit too long.
- → Got a simple lemon dressing that'll go with this?
- Sure! Stir together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, the zest from one lemon, a small garlic clove minced up, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk that, then pour in 6 tablespoons olive oil while whisking so it comes together nice and creamy. This batch makes just about enough for this salad.
- → No microgreens? What else can I use?
- If microgreens are tough to find, no worries. Toss in some baby arugula for a little kick, or sprinkle in soft herb leaves like cilantro or basil. Thin slices of radish add crunch and color. Even alfalfa or broccoli sprouts make a great fresh upgrade.
- → Which main dishes work well with this green salad?
- Honestly, it goes with just about everything—serve it side-by-side with lasagna or spaghetti to cut through heavy sauces, or plate it next to grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon. It's perfect with pizza, soups, quiches, frittata, or even a rotisserie chicken. It's a great way to lighten up rich mains.
- → How can I swap out the Parmesan for no-dairy?
- Skip the cheese and sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for that punch of flavor, or use toasted coconut chips for a similar look. You can even double up on tamari almonds or pepitas. Some stores carry vegan parmesan shreds made with nuts and yeast. Or, just leave cheese out altogether and go extra on nuts or seeds.
- → How can I make this salad filling enough for the main event?
- Double the salad, then add your favorite protein—grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or even chickpeas or tofu if you're skipping meat. Extra avocado and nuts boost the good fats. More hearty veggies like roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes also bulk things up, and you can always throw in more tamari almonds for extra crunch.