If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fresh and inviting as it is effortless, this Simple Green Salad is truly a love letter to all things crisp and green. Imagine tender leaves of butter lettuce, creamy avocado, crunchy pepitas, toasty tamari almonds, and the bright, tangy kick of lemon vinaigrette—each bite is a burst of color and flavor. It’s more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of simplicity, perfect for any table and any occasion. Whether you’re a salad devotee or just looking to add more greens to your life, this recipe hits the sweet spot with every forkful.

Simple Green Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the Simple Green Salad, every ingredient matters and shines on its own. You’ll be surprised how a handful of thoughtfully chosen items can create so much flavor, texture, and visual excitement. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one is worth the extra toss.

Butter lettuce: Super tender and mild, this lettuce forms the perfect leafy base that soaks up vinaigrette and pairs with all the toppings.
Lemon vinaigrette: Zesty, bright, and light, this homemade dressing wakes up every other ingredient with its citrusy zing.
Persian cucumber: Thin slices add a refreshing crunch without overpowering the other flavors—plus, those pale green rings look gorgeous.
Shaved Parmesan cheese: Richly savory and a little nutty, these salty slivers help tie each bite together.
Pepitas: Toasty, crunchy pumpkin seeds give extra bite and a nutty finish that makes the salad more interesting and satisfying.
Avocado: Creamy slices add heft and lusciousness, balancing out the crunchier elements with healthy fats.
Microgreens: A finishing touch that adds subtle peppery notes and plenty of visual flair; optional but oh-so-worth it.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle lifts every flavor and adds pops of texture—don’t skip if you love a little extra punch.
Raw almonds: Roasted with tamari, these are a craveable, crispy accent that’s slightly savory and totally memorable.
Tamari: Gives the almonds a deep, umami boost—salty without being too overwhelming, for a perfectly balanced bite.

How to Make Simple Green Salad

Step 1: Roast the Tamari Almonds

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread out the raw almonds and drizzle them with tamari, tossing so each nut gets a bit of that savory coating. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, until the almonds are deeply golden and fragrant. Let them cool for about five minutes; as they cool, they’ll crisp up and create the perfect salty crunch for your salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens and Veggies

Gently separate the butter lettuce leaves and give them a rinse, then spin or pat dry—nobody likes a soggy salad! Thinly slice the Persian cucumber and avocado, and get your microgreens ready for that final flourish. Each component should be prepped so you can simply toss them together for effortless assembly.

Step 3: Toss with Lemon Vinaigrette

In a spacious bowl, toss the lettuce leaves with a few spoonfuls of the lemon vinaigrette. The idea here is to lightly coat the greens without drowning them, letting their buttery texture shine. The bright, citrusy notes of the vinaigrette wake up the salad and pull all the flavors together.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Layer on the sliced cucumber, avocado, and shaved Parmesan. Sprinkle in those delightfully crunchy pepitas and add your cooled tamari almonds for roasted, nutty depth. Drizzle with a bit more vinaigrette if desired, then crown the salad with a scattering of microgreens for that gourmet finish. If you like a bit more seasoning, a final pinch of flaky sea salt really seals the deal.

How to Serve Simple Green Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing the Simple Green Salad is an opportunity to bring your own flair. Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh herbs like dill or chives, or a twist of black pepper. Microgreens take it to restaurant-level elegance, while a squeeze of lemon over the top can bring everything together with extra brightness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with just about anything. Serve it with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a light pasta dish for a balanced meal. Or, let it shine alongside warm bread or a simple risotto. The Simple Green Salad is flexible enough to team up with hearty mains or stand on its own as a superstar lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Level up the presentation by plating individual portions on chilled salad plates, piling the toppings artfully for dramatic color and height. You could also serve it family-style on a big platter, letting everyone dig in together. For a party or brunch, try layering the salad ingredients in pretty glass jars or cups for an elegant, portable starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Simple Green Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed the day you make it, but if needed, it will hold up for a day—just know that the greens may lose some crispness once tossed with dressing.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad isn’t suited for freezing. Leafy greens and avocados tend to lose their beautiful texture when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to enjoy any leftovers quickly and fresh.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this dish. If you’ve stored components separately, let them come to room temperature before assembling to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Toasted nuts that have softened can be re-crisped in a low oven for a few minutes if you wish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While butter lettuce offers a tender, soft texture, you can swap in other greens like Boston, Bibb, or even a spring mix for variations in flavor and crunch.

What’s a good substitute for tamari?

Soy sauce is the closest substitute and works beautifully. Just choose a low-sodium version if you want to avoid an overly salty flavor, or try coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.

How long does the lemon vinaigrette keep?

The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before pouring it over your Simple Green Salad.

Can I make the Simple Green Salad vegan?

Yes, just leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based and the salad stays deliciously fresh without it.

What are pepitas, and can I substitute them?

Pepitas are pumpkin seeds, typically hulled and unsalted. If you don’t have them, sunflower seeds or toasted pine nuts can add a similar crunch and nutty flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Green Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s an invitation to savor the freshest, brightest flavors on your plate. If you’ve been searching for a go-to salad that’s effortlessly impressive, perfectly customizable, and always delicious, give this one a try. I can’t wait for you to taste how a few simple ingredients can create something so satisfying and beautiful!

Simple Green Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Simple Green Salad is a delightful combination of fresh lettuce, crunchy almonds, creamy avocado, and tangy Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal!

Instructions

Roast the almonds: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss almonds with tamari and spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-14 minutes until browned. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss lettuce with lemon vinaigrette. Add cucumber, Parmesan, pepitas, avocado, and tamari almonds. Drizzle with more dressing, top with microgreens, and season with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Feel free to substitute any nuts or seeds you prefer for the almonds and pepitas.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: Modern