Fresh, simple, and satisfying, this Everyday Garden Salad is perfect for healthy starts to the new year. Plus, learn a flexible salad formula you can use again and again.
Everyday Garden Salad (Plus a Simple Healthy Salad Formula That Works Every Time)
The start of a new year makes me crave food that feels fresh and balanced — not fussy, not complicated, just good. This Everyday Garden Salad is exactly the kind of meal I make when we’ve eaten a little heavier earlier in the day and I want dinner to feel lighter without feeling like I’m missing out.
I especially love salads like this on busy weeknights, when I want something quick and nourishing, and at lunch on the weekends, when I’m craving something crisp, colorful, and satisfying. It’s simple, flexible, and endlessly adaptable — the kind of salad you can throw together without a recipe, once you know the formula.
That’s why I’m sharing not just this Everyday Garden Salad, but my simple, healthy salad formula that works every time. Think of it as a mix-and-match guide you can use all year long, whether you’re starting fresh in January or just trying to get a wholesome meal on the table any day of the week.
Enjoy!
My Simple Healthy Salad Formula
Over the years, I’ve learned that the salads I make most often aren’t strict recipes — they’re built on a formula. Once you understand the balance, you can mix and match ingredients based on what you have, what’s in season, or what you’re craving. This will give you a balanced salad that satisfies, fuels, and actually keeps you full.
The 5-Part Everyday Healthy Salad Formula
1. Greens (The Base)
Start with tender greens like green leaf lettuce, romaine, mixed greens, or arugula.
2. Crunchy Veggies (Texture)
Think cucumbers, carrots, radishes, bell peppers, or celery.
3. Color Boost (Nutrients + Appeal)
Add color with tomatoes, roasted veggies, beets, or fruit.
4. Protein or Power Add-In (Staying Power)
Garbanzo beans, lentils, grilled chicken, tuna, eggs, or tofu all work beautifully.
5. Simple Dressing (Flavor + Healthy Fats)
Keep it easy: olive oil + vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic.
This balance is what makes a salad feel satisfying instead of like an afterthought.
Why I Reach for Salads Like This So Often
Ingredients for This Everyday Garden Salad
Salad:
- 1 head green leaf lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of 3 colors)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
Simple Red Wine Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Ready in minutes:
- Wash and prepare all the salad ingredients.
- Combine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and garbanzo beans in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a fresh, balanced meal.
Let's Apply the Formula to This Salad
1. Greens- Green leaf lettuce
- Light, tender, and perfect for everyday eating.
2. Crunchy Veggies
- Sliced cucumbers
- Shredded carrots
- Fresh crunch without overpowering the salad.
3. Color Boost
-
Tri-color heirloom cherry tomatoes
Color = nutrients and visual appeal. This is what makes it feel crave-worthy.
4. Protein / Power Add-In
-
Garbanzo beans
Plant-based protein + fiber to keep you satisfied.
5. Simple Dressing
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Clean, classic, and lets the vegetables shine.
How to Use This Formula for Other Salads
Once you know the formula, the possibilities are endless:
Swap green leaf lettuce for mixed greens or arugula
Replace garbanzo beans with grilled chicken, tuna, or lentils
Use lemon juice or balsamic instead of red wine vinegar
Add seeds, nuts, or cheese if that’s what you’re craving
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a salad you actually want to eat.
More Everyday Salads You’ll Love
If you love simple, balanced salads like this one, you might also enjoy a few other favorites from my kitchen. Try my Country Chophouse Chicken Salad for something hearty, Bright & Fresh Winter Salad with Bulgur, Delicata Squash, and Pomegranate when you want something bright and fresh, or Teriyaki Chicken Mandarin Orange Salad for an easy, make-ahead option.
A Fresh Start You Can Stick With
Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything at once. Sometimes, it’s as simple as having a reliable, everyday salad you can come back to again and again.
This Everyday Garden Salad — and the simple formula behind it — is one of those meals for me. I hope it becomes one for you too.
