Easy Tossed Salad

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This Easy Tossed Salad is crisp, colorful, and packed with fresh flavor! Made with crunchy romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it comes together in just minutes. This salad is fresh, light, and full of satisfying textures. It can be used as a base recipe that's easy to customize with your favorite toppings, dressings, or add-ins to suit any meal or dietary need.

Easy Tossed Salad is crisp, colorful, and fresh, made with crunchy romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. | aheadofthyme.com

This quick side dish that works for any meal, from busy weeknights to casual get-togethers. It’s also a great recipe to make ahead for meal prep or bring along to potlucks and barbecues. Since it’s made with sturdy ingredients, it holds up well even if prepped a few hours in advance. And the homemade dressing adds a gourmet touch without any complicated steps — just shake or whisk and pour!

Why You'll Love this Easy Tossed Salad Recipe

Packed with fresh veggies. This salad is all about fresh vegetables. The combination of romaine lettuce, sweet grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and yellow bell pepper gives you a great variety of textures and colors in every bite. It’s the perfect way to brighten up any meal.
Quick and easy to prepare. With no cooking required, minimal chopping, and a simple dressing, this salad comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s great for last-minute meals, lunchboxes, or easy meal prepping for the week.
Simple but flavorful dressing. With just a handful of pantry staples, the homemade balsamic vinaigrette elevates the salad without overwhelming it. The blend of tangy vinegar, smooth olive oil, zesty Dijon, and a touch of honey brings balance and depth to each bite.
Versatile side dish. This salad pairs well with almost anything: grilled meats, pastas, sandwiches, or soups. It’s a reliable go-to when you need a veggie side that’s both easy and crowd-pleasing. Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.

Ingredient Notes

To make this Easy Tossed Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

romaine lettuce – chopped into bite-sized pieces. You can substitute mixed greens or iceberg lettuce if preferred.
grape tomatoes – halved for juicy pops of sweetness. Cherry tomatoes work well as a substitute.
english cucumber – thinly sliced for crunch. Persian cucumbers can also be used.
yellow bell pepper – diced or sliced. Red or orange bell peppers are great alternatives.
red onion – thinly sliced for a little bite. Shallots or green onions can be used instead for a milder flavor.
feta cheese – crumbled on top for a creamy, salty finish. You can substitute goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
dressing - the homemade vinaigrette is made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Red wine vinegar can be used instead of balsamic, and maple syrup can be used instead of honey.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large salad bowl, a whisk, and a small mixing bowl or jar for the dressing.

How to Make the Best Easy Tossed Salad

Combine salad ingredients. In a large serving bowl, combine all the salad ingredients including lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and feta, if using.

Make dressing. In a small mixing bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients (including balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper) until smooth.

Toss. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Add protein. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a hearty main dish while keeping it balanced and wholesome.
Make it vegan. Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based version. Swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
Add crunch. Toss in croutons, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds for extra texture.
Use a different dressing. Try ranch, lemon vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado dressing to switch up the flavors.

How to Serve

This Easy Tossed Salad makes a great side dish to a wide variety of meals. It pairs especially well with:

For more recipes, see our 60+ Easy Dinner Ideas.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Chop veggies evenly. Uniform pieces make the salad easier to eat and help ensure even distribution of flavor. It also helps the dressing coat the ingredients more effectively, so you get balanced flavor in every bite.
Use fresh ingredients. Because the salad is raw, the freshness of your produce makes a big difference in taste and texture. Opt for firm cucumbers, crisp lettuce, and ripe but firm tomatoes for the best result.
Whisk dressing well. Make sure the dressing is fully emulsified so it coats the veggies evenly. A jar with a lid works well — just shake it vigorously to blend everything quickly.
Toss just before serving. To prevent soggy salad, add the dressing and toss right before serving. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss just before your meal.

Storing Instructions

Transfer any leftover salad (without dressing, if possible) to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If the salad is already dressed, it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chopped vegetables and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing. This helps keep the vegetables crisp and the flavors fresh. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, assemble it just before serving for the best presentation and taste.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To bulk it up into a full meal, add your favorite protein. Grilled chicken, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas all work well. You can also toss in cooked grains like quinoa or farro for added fiber and nutrition. These additions not only increase satiety but also create a heartier, well-balanced dish.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

If you’re not serving the salad right away, keep the dressing separate and store chopped ingredients in a container lined with a paper towel. This absorbs excess moisture and helps the vegetables stay crisp. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain its texture and freshness. You can also wait to add softer or juicier ingredients, like tomatoes or cucumbers, until closer to serving time.

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