Healthy Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Looking for a simple yet healthy recipe that can brighten up your day? Look no further than this Healthy Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for those who want to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on taste. It's a refreshing and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or served alongside grilled fish for dinner.

The key ingredients of this recipe are arugula, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and parsley. For the citrus vinaigrette, you'll need freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh lime zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 head of arugula (or any mixed greens)
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced thinly on the bias
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Citrus Vinaigrette:
• Juice of 3 oranges
• Zest of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

To prepare the salad, start by rinsing all your vegetables under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the arugula or mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and avocado.

For the citrus vinaigrette, in a small mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice and zest of a lime, then add olive oil gradually until you get a creamy consistency. Stir in Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Once all ingredients are prepared, pour over the citrus vinaigrette onto the salad mix. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that each piece of lettuce and vegetable is evenly coated. Garnish it with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, making it quick and easy for daily use. It serves two people as a main course or four as a side dish.

Tips for Success

• Ensure that the greens are fresh; older leaves can make your salad less appealing.
• The avocado should be ripe enough to have some give but not overly mushy when cut into chunks.
• Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the overall taste, adding a bit of color and freshness. However, they're optional if you prefer less garnish.

Health Benefits

This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B6, and folate due to its inclusion of various leafy greens like arugula and mixed greens, along with the presence of beta-carotene from carrots. The cherry tomatoes contribute lycopene, which helps protect your skin against sun damage.

The citrus vinaigrette provides a good amount of vitamin C, known for boosting immunity and improving iron absorption in the body. Avocados are packed full of healthy fats that keep you feeling fuller longer after eating this salad.

Customization Suggestions

If you want to mix things up occasionally, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or even some cooked quinoa if you're looking for a heartier meal. You could also try different types of citrus fruits like lemons or limes depending on what's in season.

Alternatively, if you prefer a creamier dressing, replace part of the orange juice with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Or if you want something sweeter, add some honey to balance out the acidity from the citrus zest and juice.

In conclusion, this Healthy Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette offers a delicious way to enjoy nature's bounty while sticking to dietary goals like weight loss, heart health management, or simply seeking an alternative to standard lunch options. With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, it will certainly become part of your regular rotation in the kitchen!

Note: Always check labels if you have any allergies or specific dietary restrictions before incorporating new ingredients into your recipes.