This lively salad features mixed greens such as romaine, spinach and arugula with bright cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber and sharp red onion, complemented by creamy avocado. Topped with homemade crunchy croutons and finished with a tangy Dijon and red wine vinegar dressing, it is a mouthwatering family delight perfect for any meal.

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I made this Family Favorite Salad Recipe because it’s simply packed with nutrition and flavor. I use 6 cups of mixed salad greens like romaine, spinach, and arugula that are full of vitamins and minerals.

Then I toss in a pint of cherry tomatoes, a large cucumber chopped up, and a medium red onion thinly sliced for an extra kick. I add a cup of croutons that are best when homemade and mix in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for creamy texture.

I sometimes include a diced avocado for a rich, buttery taste. The dressing is a simple mix of 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, with salt and black pepper to taste.

This recipe stands out among best salad recipes, summer salad recipes and even ideas from Resep Salad and Fresh Salad Recipes for dinner. Enjoy a meal that is both nutritious and delicious its perfect for every season.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me a burst of freshness every time I take a bite, and the mix of textures really keeps me coming back for more. I like how easy it is to make, even when I’m in a rush and need to put together something tasty. I appreciate that it leaves me feeling light but satisfied, with the crunchy croutons, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing all working together. Plus, I love that it’s super customizable so I can add or leave out ingredients depending on what I’m in the mood for.

This salad recipe is seriously the best I have ever tried. It’s a family favorite that has all the right vibes and trust me, once you taste it, you won’t need any other salad recipe. The veggies mix perfectly and the crunch from the croutons along with the yummy cheese or feta make each bite just right. It’s great all year round for anyone who loves good food and doesn’t want to mess with complicated recipes. Enjoying this salad never gets old, and it’s just perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients

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Mixed salad greens loaded with vitamins, fiber, and a crunchy, fresh base.
Cherry tomatoes are sweet, tangy and juicy, adding vibrant color and zing.
Crisp cucumbers contribute a refreshing crunch plus extra fiber for you.
Thin red onion slices provide bold flavor and a subtle spicy kick.
Homemade croutons deliver a buttery crunch and satisfying texture.
Avocado, though optional, adds creaminess and healthy fats for richness.
Extra virgin olive oil ties flavors together with a smooth, fruity finish.
Dijon mustard gives a tangy punch that brightens up the dressing.
Red wine vinegar lends a sharp, acidic note balancing the salad’s flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups mixed salad greens (like romaine, spinach, and arugula)

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 large cucumber, chopped

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup croutons (fresh homemade croutons work best)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta

1 avocado, diced (optional but adds a nice creaminess)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. First, wash and dry the salad greens and then chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, slice the red onion thinly and if you want, dice the avocado too.

2. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and avocado.

3. If you’re not using homemade croutons, you can toast the store bought ones in a pan for a few minutes until they start to crisp up.

4. In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper. Whisk it all together until its well combined.

5. Pour the dressing over your salad and gently toss everything so that every piece gets some of that nice flavor.

6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta over the top.

7. Finally, add the croutons and give the salad one last gentle toss.

8. Taste the salad and add a bit more salt or pepper if its needed.

9. Serve immediately so the croutons stay crunchy and the flavors stay fresh.

10. Enjoy the salad, its perfect for any family meal!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp knife for chopping veggies like tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and optional avocado.
2. A sturdy cutting board to prep all your ingredients.
3. A colander to wash your salad greens (or a salad spinner if you got one).
4. A large mixing bowl to toss and mix your salad ingredients.
5. A small bowl to mix together your dressing ingredients.
6. A whisk for blending the dressing smooth.
7. A frying pan to toast your store-bought croutons if needed.
8. Measuring cups and spoons to get the oil, vinegar, and mustard just right.
9. A serving bowl or plate to dish up the salad when it’s done.

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

A: Yeah, you can swap ingredients pretty easily. If you don't have red wine vinegar, try apple cider vinegar. The salad might taste a bit different but it'll still be yummy.

Q: How do I make homemade croutons?

A: It's super simple. Cube some bread, toss it in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and pepper, then bake until golden and crunchy. Homemade is definitely best.

Q: Is the avocado really necessary?

A: Not at all, it's totally optional. But if you do add it, it'll give the salad a nice creamy texture that many people enjoy.

Q: How long will the salad keep fresh?

A: If you store the salad in an airtight container, it should last in the fridge for up to a day. Just keep the dressing aside until you're ready to eat to stop it from getting soggy.

Q: Can I adjust the dressing to suit my taste?

A: Of course, feel free to tweak it! Mix up the amount of olive oil and vinegar, and add a splash of lemon juice or your favorite herbs to make it your own.

The Family Favorite Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have mixed greens, try butter lettuce or even just a single type like romaine mix in for the crunch.
If cherry tomatoes are hard to find, grape tomatoes or even chopped regular tomatoes can do the job just fine.
If red onion is too strong for you, use a white onion or a couple of shallots for a milder kick.
If cheddar or feta ain’t on hand, switch it up with some mozzarella chunks or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor twist.
If you can’t find red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon will bring enough tanginess to make the salad sing.

Pro Tips

1. Let the dressing sit for a few minutes after you mix it together. This gives the flavors time to blend and makes your salad taste even better
2. Toast your croutons in a pan until they get a nice crisp. It really boosts the crunch factor and they dont get soggy once mixed with the salad
3. Be gentle when tossing your salad so that the veggies stay intact, especially if youre using delicate leaves like arugula and spinach
4. If you decide to add avocado, combine it at the very end so it keeps its creamy texture without over-mixing and turning mushy