Description
A refreshing and nutritious Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing, combining mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy tahini-based dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to prepare with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, warm water, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more warm water if needed to reach a pourable but thick dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced avocado, gently mixing to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared lemon tahini dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the salad components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds over the salad for crunch. If using, add the crumbled feta cheese on top to add a creamy, salty flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- The lemon tahini dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; whisk with a splash of water before serving to loosen the dressing.
- To make this salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or your preferred protein.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and honey/maple syrup based on your taste preference for more tang or sweetness.
- Use warm water for the dressing to help blend the tahini smoothly without lumps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
