As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a brand new year, there’s nothing quite like a fresh start—especially when it comes to our plates! This New Years Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the occasion, bursting with vibrant colors and crisp textures. It’s refreshing, light, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for those festive gatherings where we want to indulge but also keep things healthy. Trust me, this salad will not only impress your guests but also leave everyone feeling good as they kick off their resolutions. Let’s dive into this healthy and delightful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple to make—just 15 minutes from start to finish!
- Loaded with fresh ingredients that make every bite a burst of flavor.
- Perfectly healthy, featuring nutrient-rich greens and veggies to kick off the new year right.
- Versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Great for meal prep; just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
- Visually stunning, making it the star of any festive table.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this vibrant New Years Salad. I love how each ingredient brings its own unique flavor and texture to the mix!
- 4 cups mixed greens: I usually go for a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for a delightful crunch.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add a pop of color and taste!
- 1 cucumber, diced: A refreshing crunch that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: This adds a lovely zing! If you find red onion too strong, feel free to use green onions instead.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: The creamy, tangy feta is a must; it ties the salad together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced: I prefer Kalamata olives for their rich flavor, but any variety will do!
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette: A drizzle of this tangy dressing really brings everything to life. You can make your own or use your favorite store-bought version!
How to Prepare the New Years Salad
Now that we have all our fresh ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this New Years Salad to life! I promise you, it’s as easy as pie—well, maybe easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning salad in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens. I like to use a salad spinner for this—it makes life so much easier!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the washed mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Look at those colors! Isn’t it beautiful?
- Next, sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and sliced olives. This is where the magic happens—each ingredient adds its unique flair!
- Now, grab your balsamic vinaigrette and drizzle it over the salad. Don’t be shy; it really brings everything together!
- Gently toss the salad with two large spoons or salad tongs, making sure all the ingredients are well combined and coated in that delicious dressing. Be careful not to squish anything!
- And voila! Serve your salad immediately to enjoy that fresh crunch. If you’re prepping ahead, just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to dig in. Trust me, it’ll stay crisp and vibrant!
Tips for Success
To make your New Years Salad even more delightful, here are a few handy tips! First, feel free to swap out the feta for goat cheese or even a dairy-free option if you’re looking for a different flavor. You can also add in nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch—yum! If you want a bit of sweetness, toss in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds. For a vibrant presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. And remember, this salad shines best when served fresh, so enjoy it right after tossing!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this fabulous New Years Salad. Each serving is packed with goodness, making it a guilt-free addition to your New Year celebrations! Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Just keep in mind, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. It’s always best to check your own labels if you’re tracking your intake closely! Regardless, this salad is sure to be a refreshing, healthful start to the new year!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the New Years Salad? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my handy answers:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the veggies and even toss them together in a bowl. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
This salad is super versatile! If you’re vegan, you can skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative. For gluten-free folks, rest assured this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as your dressing is too!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing separate to maintain that fresh texture!
Can I add other ingredients?
For sure! This salad is all about your preferences. Feel free to throw in some cooked quinoa for extra protein or add seasonal veggies like bell peppers or radishes for more crunch!
How long does it last in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, it should be good for about 2 days. Just keep an eye on the greens—they tend to wilt after a bit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious New Years Salad and have some leftovers? First off, lucky you! To keep your salad fresh and crisp, it’s super important to store it properly. I recommend transferring any leftover salad into an airtight container. If you’ve already dressed it, just know that the greens might get a bit soggy. So, if you can, separate the dressing and store it in a small container on the side until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again.
When stored this way, your salad will last for about 2 days in the fridge. Just keep an eye on those greens—they can wilt if they sit too long. If you’re looking to enjoy the salad later, you can also prep all the ingredients in advance and keep them in the fridge separately. Just toss everything together with the dressing right before serving for that fresh crunch!
As for reheating, this salad is best served cold and fresh, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge, give it a quick toss, and enjoy that vibrant flavor again!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your fabulous New Years Salad ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to really elevate your meal! I love pairing this salad with a variety of dishes that complement its fresh flavors and vibrant textures.
- Grilled Chicken or Salmon: A perfectly grilled protein adds heartiness and makes for a satisfying meal. The smoky flavors work beautifully with the crispness of the salad.
- Quinoa or Couscous: Serve a side of fluffy quinoa or couscous for a healthy grain option that boosts the meal with extra fiber and nutrients.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing. It’s a simple, comforting addition that everyone loves!
- Cheese Platter: Wow your guests by setting out a beautiful cheese platter with assorted cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. It makes for a lovely appetizer before the main event!
- Soup: A light soup, like a tomato basil or a vegetable broth, can serve as a warm, comforting starter that pairs well with the fresh salad.
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these pairings will truly enhance your New Years celebration. Enjoy the burst of flavors and let the good times roll!
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New Years Salad: 5 Reasons to Love This Fresh Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad perfect for celebrating New Year’s.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add feta cheese and olives to the bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; just add dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: new years salad
