There’s nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as a perfectly tossed salad filled with fresh, crisp vegetables and a light, tangy dressing. This Best Tossed Salad is a delightful mix of romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet grilled corn, all topped off with a simple yet delicious red wine vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tossed salad is not only packed with vibrant colors and textures, but it’s also bursting with fresh flavors. The combination of crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and the slight sweetness from grilled corn creates a harmonious balance that’s both healthy and satisfying. The homemade dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of sugar, ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement a hearty main course or a simple and nutritious meal on its own, this tossed salad is a versatile option that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing and delicious tossed salad:
- 2 hearts romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp and sturdy base for the salad.
- 1 avocado, diced: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- 2 small plum tomatoes, diced: Adds juiciness and a burst of color.
- 1 cup grilled corn (or whole kernel corn): Adds sweetness and a slight smokiness if using grilled corn.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Provides a refreshing crunch.
- 2-3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: The tangy component of the dressing.
- 1 small red onion, chopped: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor and a bit of color.
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded: Adds sweetness and a bright pop of color.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of the vinaigrette, adding richness and body.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make the Best Tossed Salad
Follow these simple steps to create a fresh, vibrant, and delicious tossed salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing and drying all the vegetables thoroughly. Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bottom of a large salad bowl. Dice the avocado, plum tomatoes, and cucumber, and chop the red onion. Peel and shred the carrot. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Arrange the chopped and diced vegetables over the bed of romaine lettuce in the salad bowl. Start with the diced cucumber and tomatoes, followed by the shredded carrot and chopped red onion. Finally, add the diced avocado and grilled corn on top. This layering helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, especially if using ripe avocado, as it can become mushy.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the salad immediately, either as a side dish or as a light main course. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and the satisfying crunch of this beautifully tossed salad!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl: For mixing and serving the salad.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping and dicing the vegetables.
- Peeler: For peeling the carrot.
- Grater or shredder: For shredding the carrot.
- Whisk: For mixing the dressing.
- Salad tongs or large spoons: For tossing the salad.