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Crunch Salad

Crunch Salad

Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing lunch option bursting with fresh, crisp vegetables and a satisfying crunch. Ideal for a light meal or nourishing boost, this salad combines simple ingredients like crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, nuts or seeds, and a light vinaigrette. Easy to prepare and customizable, it delivers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 2 cups crisp lettuce mix (romaine, iceberg, or blend)
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper strips

Crunch Elements

  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup shredded feta or parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep your fresh vegetables: Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Shred the carrots, thinly slice the celery and bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and tear or chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces to create a uniform texture.
  2. Toast your nuts or seeds: In a dry pan, lightly toast your choice of nuts or seeds over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
  3. Make the vinaigrette dressing: Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, a touch of honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously to emulsify the ingredients into a smooth dressing.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the prepared vegetables, nuts or seeds, and cheese if using. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Serve immediately: For the best crunch and freshness, serve the salad right away. If you must prepare in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Notes

  • Freshness matters: Use the freshest produce possible to maximize the salad’s vibrant crunch and flavor.
  • Slice thinly: Thin slicing or shredding vegetables ensures every bite is balanced and easy to eat.
  • Dress last minute: Adding dressing just before serving keeps the veggies crisp.
  • Toast nuts gently: Over-toasting can create bitterness, so watch carefully and remove from heat promptly.
  • Balance textures: Mix soft and crunchy ingredients to keep your salad interesting and satisfying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crunch Salad, fresh salad, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe, gluten free salad, vegetarian salad, crunchy salad, picnic salad