In the heart of summer, as the sun bathes my garden in a golden glow, I often find myself wandering among the rows of leafy greens, marveling at their vibrant hues. One warm afternoon, I harvested a medley of greens—crisp romaine, tender baby spinach, and peppery arugula. Inspired by the freshness of the day, I created this delightful salad, bursting with flavors and textures that celebrate the essence of the season.
Ingredients
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup baby spinach, torn
1 cup arugula
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1 avocado, diced
zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by preparing the greens. Rinse the romaine, baby spinach, and arugula under cold water, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Place these vibrant greens in a large salad bowl, allowing their colors to shine in the sunlight.
Next, introduce the cherry tomatoes, their sweetness adding a delightful contrast to the greens. Follow this with the thinly sliced red onion, which brings a gentle crunch and a touch of sharpness to the mix. As you add the feta cheese and walnuts, notice how they sprinkle like confetti, making the salad not only delicious but visually appealing.
For the pièce de résistance, it’s time to prepare the citrus vinaigrette. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and honey. Whisk together until well blended, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The vibrant flavors in this dressing will elevate the entire dish, making every bite a refreshing experience.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, then gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are coated in this zesty goodness. Top it off with the diced avocado, creating a creamy element that rounds out the salad beautifully.
Serve this Garden of Greens Salad immediately, and watch as your family and friends revel in its vibrant flavors and textures. Each bite is like a stroll through the garden, celebrating the bounty of nature’s goodness on your plate.
As you savor this salad, remember the joy that comes from cooking with fresh ingredients, and let it inspire you to create your own culinary adventures!