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Fresh Garden Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing

Fresh Garden Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing - featured image
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A fresh, crunchy garden salad paired with a homemade creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick, healthy summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach and romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin (peeled if preferred)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or chives), chopped
  • Optional: sliced radishes or avocado
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Slice the cucumber thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, shred the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop fresh herbs if using. Arrange all chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic, dried dill, parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk again until well mixed and creamy but pourable.
  4. Pour about half of the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly. Add more dressing if desired, but avoid overdressing to keep veggies crisp.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or cracked black pepper. Add avocado slices or radishes on top if desired.

Notes

Dry greens thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Adjust garlic amount gradually to avoid overpowering flavor. Whisk dressing until smooth for best texture. Toss salad lightly to avoid overdressing. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. If dressing thickens in fridge, stir in a little buttermilk or milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh garden salad, creamy ranch dressing, healthy salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, homemade ranch dressing

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/fresh-garden-salad-with-creamy-ranch-dressing-easy-healthy-recipe-for-summer/