Vegan Crisp & Fresh Iceberg Lettuce Salad

When the summer heat is in full swing, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp and fresh iceberg lettuce salad. This vegan delight combines the cool crunch of iceberg lettuce with a medley of colorful vegetables and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a satisfying main course, this salad is a perfect choice to keep you feeling cool, satisfied, and nourished.

Storing and Making Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad in Advance

Wondering about the shelf life of our Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad and whether you can prepare it ahead of time? This fresh salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To maintain its crispness, store it in an airtight container, separating the vinaigrette from the salad ingredients until you’re ready to serve. Making it in advance is a time-saving option, as long as you add the vinaigrette just before serving to preserve the salad’s delightful crunch and flavors. So, whether it’s a quick, on-the-spot meal or a make-ahead addition to your menu, this salad is versatile and delicious whenever you choose to enjoy it.

Special Equipment for Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad

Creating our Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad is delightfully straightforward, and you won’t need any special equipment. A sharp knife and a cutting board for chopping vegetables, a mixing bowl, and a whisk for preparing the vinaigrette are all you require. The simplicity of this recipe means it’s accessible to all, making it a perfect choice for a quick, healthy meal without the need for any fancy kitchen gadgets. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you can effortlessly whip up this refreshing salad with basic kitchen tools.

Portion Size for Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad

Each serving of our Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad is typically generous, with approximately 2 cups of salad per portion when served as a side dish. If you’re planning to enjoy it as a main course, you can expect a more substantial serving, offering around 4 cups per serving. These measurements provide a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s not only visually appealing but also nutritionally balanced. Adjust the portion size to your preference, knowing that this salad offers a vibrant burst of flavors and textures in every serving.

Difficulty Level of Preparing

Preparing our Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad is a breeze, even for novice cooks. With its simple chopping, mixing, and whisking steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires no advanced culinary skills. You won’t find any complex techniques or elaborate cooking processes here. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just starting to explore plant-based eating, you can confidently whip up this refreshing salad with ease. So, don’t hesitate to dive into this delicious dish – it’s a low-effort, high-reward culinary experience that anyone can master.

Vegan Iceberg Lettuce Salad

Recipe by Connor GoodaleCourse: Salads, AppetizersDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Salad

• 1 head of iceberg lettuce, washed and chopped

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds

• For the Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Start by preparing the iceberg lettuce. Remove any wilted outer leaves and chop the head into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.
• Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red and yellow bell peppers, black olives, fresh parsley, and torn basil leaves to the bowl with the lettuce.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your flavorful vinaigrette.
• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the vegetables evenly.
• Finally, sprinkle the roasted sunflower seeds over the top of the salad for a delightful crunch.
• Serve your vegan iceberg lettuce salad immediately as a light and refreshing meal or alongside your favorite vegan protein for a heartier dish.

Notes

• Choose Fresh, Crisp Ingredients: To make your vegan iceberg lettuce salad truly shine, select the freshest and crispest ingredients available. Look for iceberg lettuce heads that are firm and without any signs of wilting. Similarly, opt for vibrant, colorful bell peppers and juicy cherry tomatoes. Freshness will enhance the salad’s texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Herbs: While the recipe calls for parsley and basil, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs. Mint, cilantro, or dill can add unique and refreshing notes to your salad. Play around with herb combinations to find your personal favorite and tailor the salad to your taste.
• Add Protein: To transform this salad into a more substantial main course, consider adding a plant-based protein source like marinated and grilled tofu, chickpeas, or quinoa. These additions not only boost the protein content but also make the salad more filling, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Enhance the texture and flavor by toasting the sunflower seeds before adding them to the salad. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This extra step will bring out their nutty flavor, adding depth to the dish.
• Customized Vinaigrette: Tailor the vinaigrette to your taste by adjusting the ingredients. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more balsamic vinegar or a splash of lemon juice. For a touch of sweetness, incorporate a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave nectar. Customizing the vinaigrette allows you to fine-tune the salad’s flavor to match your preferences.