The Best Tossed Salad

Looking for a refreshing and easy tossed salad recipe? This vibrant tossed salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, sweet grilled corn, and crunchy cucumbers with a simple homemade dressing of red wine vinegar and olive oil. Perfect as a healthy side salad or a light main dish, this salad is packed with flavor and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Great for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks, this easy tossed salad will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 small plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup grilled corn (or canned whole kernel corn, drained)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare all the vegetables. Arrange the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl as the base.
2. Layer the diced avocado, tomatoes, corn, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrot on top of the lettuce.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Tips

• Avocado freshness: Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
• Dressing adjustments: For a tangier dressing, add an extra splash of red wine vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, adjust the sugar to your taste.
• Extra flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing for additional flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different greens: Swap romaine lettuce with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach for a new flavor profile.
• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions to turn this salad into a meal.
• Dressing options: Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a different taste.
• Seasonal veggies: Add bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini depending on the season or your preference.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the veggies and dressing in advance. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

How long will the leftovers last?
If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers can last up to 1-2 days. Keep the dressing separate for the best texture.

Can I use canned corn instead of grilled corn?
Absolutely! Canned or frozen (thawed) corn works well if you don’t have fresh or grilled corn on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This tossed salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, like grilled meats, pasta, or fish. It’s also a great side for a summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck. Serve it as a light, refreshing starter or as a side to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tossed salad is colorful, fresh, and packed with flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly. With creamy avocado, sweet corn, crisp cucumbers, and a light, tangy dressing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a variety of veggies. Quick to assemble and easy to customize, this salad is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to make again and again!