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Fresh Garden Crisp Salad With Crunchy Veggies and Zesty Dressing - Simple, Bright, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Romaine or Little Gem lettuce (1 large head or 2 small), chopped into bite-size pieces
  • English cucumber (1 small), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes (1 cup), halved
  • Red bell pepper (1 medium), thinly sliced
  • Carrot (1 large), peeled into ribbons or grated
  • Red onion (1/4 small), very thinly sliced
  • Radishes (4–5), thinly sliced
  • Fresh herbs (2–3 tablespoons), chopped—parsley, dill, or chives
  • Optional crunch: toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds (1/4 cup)
  • Optional salty bite: crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan (2–3 tablespoons)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
  • Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons)
  • Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
  • Honey or maple syrup (1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons, to taste)
  • Garlic (1 small clove), finely grated or minced
  • Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon), plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional kick: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Prep the greens and veggies. Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-size pieces. Slice the cucumber, tomatoes, pepper, carrot, onion, and radishes. Keep everything cold while you mix the dressing.
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until the dressing looks slightly thick and glossy. Taste and adjust—add more lemon for brightness or honey for balance.
  • Toss just before serving. Add the lettuce to a large bowl. Layer in cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, carrot, onion, and radishes. Sprinkle with chopped herbs.
  • Dress lightly at first. Drizzle on about two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently with clean hands or tongs. You want a light, even coat without sogginess. Add more dressing only if needed.
  • Add crunch and cheese (optional). Top with toasted nuts or seeds and a small amount of feta or Parmesan. Give it one last gentle toss.
  • Serve immediately. Finish with a final grind of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt if you like. Enjoy right away for maximum crunch.