Discover this vibrant, nutrient-packed salad that combines crisp vegetables with a light, tangy dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a healthy dinner side dish, this salad is rich in fiber and vitamins while being naturally low in calories.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 head of fresh lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups/400g)
- 1 medium cucumber (200g), thinly sliced
- 1/3 head purple cabbage (about 2 cups/200g), finely shredded
- 6 cherry tomatoes (100g), halved
- 1/2 ear of cooked corn (about 1/2 cup/75g kernels)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15g) light mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Salad Preparation
- Wash and thoroughly dry all vegetables
- Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces
- Slice cucumber thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline
- Finely shred the purple cabbage
- Halve the cherry tomatoes
- Remove corn kernels from the cob if using fresh corn
Dressing Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice
- Add light mayonnaise and whisk until smooth
- Mince garlic and add to the dressing
- Season with black pepper and salt
- Whisk until well combined
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine all prepared vegetables
- Add the dressing just before serving
- Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated
- Serve immediately
Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Serves: 4
Nutritional Information
(Per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Dry vegetables thoroughly to ensure dressing adheres properly
- Use a salad spinner for crisp, dry lettuce
- Prepare vegetables ahead but add dressing just before serving
- Cut vegetables in similar sizes for balanced bites
- Massage purple cabbage lightly to tenderize
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap lettuce for spinach or mixed greens
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
- Add avocado for healthy fats
- Include bell peppers for extra crunch
- Try apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice
Common FAQs
Q: How long can I store this salad?
A: Undressed salad keeps for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
A: Yes, store components separately and assemble before eating.
Q: Is this salad keto-friendly?
A: Reduce corn amount or omit for a keto-friendly version.
Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for protein.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store cut vegetables separately in airtight containers
- Keep dressing separately in a jar for up to 5 days
- Prep vegetables up to 2 days ahead
- Store in the refrigerator with paper towels to absorb excess moisture
- Refresh lettuce in ice water if it becomes wilted