Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce: The crisp and sturdy base of our salad, providing a satisfying crunch.
- Spinach: Adds a tender leafy green element, packed with nutrients and a slightly earthy flavor.
- Radishes: Thinly sliced for a peppery bite and vibrant color contrast.
- Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, offering a hydrating and mild flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet bursts of flavor and juicy texture, halved or quartered for easy eating.
- Bell Pepper (Yellow or Orange): Adds sweetness, crunch, and a boost of Vitamin C.
- Green Onions: Mild onion flavor, finely chopped for a subtle sharpness.
- Fresh Dill: Provides a bright, herbaceous note that complements the spring vegetables.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly grassy flavor and vibrant green color.
- Ranch Dressing (Your Favorite): The creamy, herby, and tangy dressing that ties everything together. You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra freshness.
- Optional: Croutons: For added crunch and texture (choose vegetarian croutons).
- Optional: Sunflower Seeds or Pumpkin Seeds: For a nutty flavor and healthy fats.
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce and Spinach: Begin by thoroughly washing the romaine lettuce and spinach under cold running water. Ensure all dirt and grit are removed. Pat the lettuce and spinach dry using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the spinach. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all the remaining vegetables. Thinly slice the radishes using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Slice the cucumber lengthwise, then halve or quarter the slices into bite-sized pieces. Halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and dice it into small pieces. Finely chop the green onions.
- Chop the Herbs: Rinse the fresh dill and parsley under cold water. Pat them dry. Finely chop both the dill and parsley. Fresh herbs are key to the vibrant flavor of this spring salad, so don’t skip this step!
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: Add the sliced radishes, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the bowl with the lettuce and spinach. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and parsley over the vegetables.
- Toss Gently: Gently toss all the salad ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to bruise the delicate lettuce and spinach. You want everything to be nicely mixed but still retain its fresh, crisp texture.
- Add Ranch Dressing (Just Before Serving): The key to a perfect salad is dressing it right before serving. This prevents the lettuce and other vegetables from becoming soggy. Pour your desired amount of ranch dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Gently toss the salad again to coat all the ingredients lightly with the ranch dressing.
- Add Optional Toppings (If Desired): If you are using croutons or sunflower/pumpkin seeds, sprinkle them over the salad just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Fresh Spring Salad with Ranch immediately after dressing it. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and crispness of the fresh spring vegetables!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 15g