Description
Crisp California Salad brings sunshine to your plate with fresh, zesty ingredients dancing together. Refreshing greens, creamy avocado, and tangy citrus create a light meal that celebrates West Coast flavors and nourishes you deliciously.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast or tofu (optional)
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, lettuce, arugula)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Toppings and Dressing:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange mixed greens as a vibrant base in a spacious serving bowl, creating a fresh foundation for the salad.
- Layer diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots across the greens for a colorful and textured landscape.
- Sprinkle sweet corn kernels evenly throughout the salad, adding a burst of golden brightness.
- Optional: Incorporate grilled chicken strips or crispy tofu cubes for additional protein and depth of flavor.
- Craft a light dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, creating a zesty and bright coating.
- Gently drizzle the citrusy dressing over the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a delicate sheen.
- Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Garnish with sliced almonds, providing a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone to the California-inspired creation.
- Delicately toss all components together, allowing the dressing to mingle and marry the ingredients.
- Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp textures and vibrant freshness.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal.
- Use fresh seasonal vegetables to enhance flavor and nutritional value of the salad.
- Toast the almonds briefly in a dry pan to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more aromatic crunch.
- Swap olive oil with a light vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing for variety in taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg