three-color salad

A Guide to Making the Classic Three-Color Salad

The three-color salad is a vibrant, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dish that celebrates fresh ingredients. Its appeal lies in the striking contrast of colors, flavors, and textures, making it a favorite for light meals, picnics, or as a side dish. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to get you started.

### Ingredients

- Green: 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula (washed and dried)

- Red: 1 large tomato, diced; or ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- White: ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced; ¼ red onion, finely chopped (optional for bite)

- Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, salt, and pepper to taste

- Optional add-ins: Feta cheese (for creaminess), toasted almonds (for crunch), or avocado (for richness)

### Steps

1. Prep the Ingredients: Wash and dry the greens thoroughly. Dice the tomato, slice the cucumber, and chop the red onion (if using).

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer the spinach (base), followed by diced tomato and sliced cucumber. Sprinkle red onion on top if desired.

4. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat all ingredients. For extra flavor, top with crumbled feta or toasted almonds just before serving.

This colorful salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins—chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs work wonderfully. Enjoy this fresh, healthy dish in under 15 minutes!