Simple Green Salad: Simple yet Elegant
Every household has their own signature green salad that is typically prepared for every meal. While I like to get creative a prepare salads that can alternate a a complete meal, this salad serves a a side dish to elevate the main course. This simple green salad is a medley of vibrant ingredients making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Crisp romaine lettuce, flavourful green onion, fragrant mint, and parsley provide a verdant base. At the same time, the juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tender carrots, and sharp radishes add a delightful contrast in textures and flavours. However, what truly sets this salad apart is the inclusion of lemon pieces, their tartness infusing the salad with a bright, zesty flavour that elevates it from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The dressing, a harmonious blend of freshly squeezed lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil seasoned with salt and freshly ground pepper, is the finishing touch that brings all the elements together. When drizzled over the salad, it enhances the ingredients’ natural flavours, creating a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
I especially enjoy serving this salad alongside a bowl of rice and thick lentil soup, which creates a meal that is not only satisfying but also a feast for the senses. The warm, comforting soup, the hearty rice, and the refreshing salad allow for a wonderful interplay of textures and flavours, making each bite a delightful experience.
Basic Ingredients Used for Simple Green Salad
Salad:
Romaine Lettuce: A popular choice for salads, romaine lettuce is crisp and refreshing, with a slightly sweet flavour.
Green Onion: These offer a mild, slightly peppery flavour that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Green onions add a pop of colour and a subtle bite, enhancing the overall taste profile of the salad.
Mint: Mint brings a fresh, aromatic quality to the salad. Its cooling effect pairs well with the lemon, creating a refreshing taste that’s particularly welcome during Ramadan’s warm evenings.
Parsley: This herb adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavour that balances the sweetness of the carrots and the acidity of the lemon.
Tomato: Tomatoes introduce a juicy, sweet-tart flavour and a soft, contrasting texture.
Cucumbers: Known for their crisp texture and hydrating properties, cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to the salad, complementing the softer textures of the other vegetables.
Carrots: Carrots bring a sweet, earthy flavour and a crunchy texture, along with a burst of colour.
Radishes: These add a peppery kick and a crunchy texture, offering both a flavor and a textural contrast in the salad.
Lemon Pieces: The lemon pieces are a standout ingredient, providing a tart, zesty flavour that brightens the entire dish and stimulates the palate, which is especially appealing when breaking a fast.
Dressing:
Whole Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to your salad.
Apple Vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar): Apple vinegar, also known as apple cider vinegar, offers a slightly fruity and tangy flavour with a hint of sweetness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is a staple ingredient in salad dressings, known for its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of ingredients.
Fresh Ground Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle heat and aromatic complexity to dishes.
Alternative Ingredients
Lettuce Variants: Instead of romaine, consider arugula for a peppery taste or spinach for a more subtle flavour.
Herbs: Coriander and green onion can replace or complement mint and parsley, offering a different flavour profile.
Vegetables: Swap in bell peppers for a sweet crunch or avocado for creaminess.
Acidic Elements: Try orange or grapefruit pieces instead of lemon for a sweeter, less tart citrus element.
Preparation Tips for Simple Green Salad
- Chop Evenly: Ensure all ingredients are chopped to a similar size for uniform bites and a harmonious texture.
- Dressing First: Mix the dressing separately before combining it with the salad to ensure even distribution.
- Add Lemon Last: To maintain their firm texture, add the lemon pieces just before tossing the salad.
Serving Tips for Simple Green Salad
- Chill the Plates: Serve the salad on chilled plates to keep it cool and refreshing.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain its crispness, serve the salad soon after dressing it.
- Pairing: Complement the salad with molokhia, bamiah, lentil soup served with rice or any of your favourite Middle Eastern dishes.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate Separately: Store the dressing and salad ingredients separately in the fridge to keep the salad fresh longer.
Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent the salad from absorbing odors and to maintain freshness.
Consume Quickly: For the best taste and texture, consume the salad within a day or two of preparation.
Simple Green Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- handful mint, roughly chopped
- handful parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 medium tomatoes, chopped into small cubes
- 3 small cucumbers, chopped into small cubes
- 1 large carrot, chopped into small cubes
- ½ lemon, chopped into small cubes
- handful radish, chopped into small cubes
Dressing
- 1 whole lemon, freshly squeezed
- 2 tsp apple vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- salt
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, mix lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.
- Salad: In a large mixing bowl add all salad ingredients, including: romaine lettuce, green onions, mint, parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and lemon. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve.
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