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Looking for a quick and refreshing side dish for your summer barbecue? This Easy Chopped Vegetable Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing is just what you need. It’s light, zesty, and pairs perfectly with all your favorite grilled meats and seafood. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with fresh, seasonal veggies that are both naturally keto-friendly and vegan. With just a few simple ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy lemon garlic vinaigrette, you can whip up this salad in no time. Plus, it’s Whole 30 approved, making it a great option for a variety of dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chopped Vegetable Salad
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Perfect for keto and gluten-free diets.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Great with any meat, fish, or seafood.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with seasonal veggies.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy fats.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Making this recipe is simple; you only need a few ingredients:
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes: Perfect to pair with cucumbers.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild, tangy flavor and crunchy texture.
- Lemon Juice: Gives a zesty kick.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The perfect heart-healthy fat for salad dressings.
- Garlic: A must in this summer inspired dressing!
- Fresh Parsley or Herbs of Choice: Perfect to pair with garlic in any salad dressings.
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Essentials for seasoning.
Recipe Variations
- Onions: Red onions work best as they are sweet but you can swap them with white onions, shallots, or green onions for a different flavor.
- Cucumbers: Use Persian cucumbers for more flavor or leave the skin on for added texture.
- Tomatoes: Substitute cherry tomatoes with large beef tomatoes.
- Herbs: Replace parsley with cilantro, basil, or dill for a unique twist.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as an alternative for a slightly different flavor.
- Garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roasted garlic can be used instead.
- Pepper: Add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Vinaigrette: Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy taste.
How To Make Chopped Vegetable Salad
Prepare the Vegetables. Peel and finely dice the cucumber. Peel and finely dice the onion. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
Make the Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.
Combine Ingredients. Place the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion into a bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
Add Herbs and Seasoning and Serve. Finely chop the parsley or your chosen herbs and add to the bowl. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Eat as a side with meat, fish, or seafood.
Tips for Best Chopped Vegetable Salad
- Cut Size Matters: For the best texture, aim for uniform, small dice on all vegetables. This ensures even flavor distribution and a pleasant crunch in every bite.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, firm vegetables. Avoid soft tomatoes or wilted cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- Balance the Dressing: Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil ratio to suit your taste. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice or swap with apple cider vinegar.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning brings out the best in the fresh veggies.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage Instructions
The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it is best served on the same day.
Sorry, no freezing for salads! Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness and become mushy.
How to Serve Chopped Vegetable Salad
- As a Side Dish: Perfectly complements grilled meats like pork ribs, burgers, and lamb skewers.
- With Seafood: Pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, steak, shrimp, or scallops.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty keto-friendly bread.
- Taco Topping: Use it as a fresh, crunchy topping for fish or shrimp tacos.
- In a Wrap: Add to a lettuce wrap with some grilled chicken or fish for a health low-carb meal.
- Keep it Vegetarian: If you prefer to keep it meat-free, add some crumbled feta or grilled halloumi! For a vegan keto options, add some grilled marinated tofu (if you eat soy).
Chopped Vegetable Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (large, peeled)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion (medium)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon (or lime juice)
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (or other herbs such as basil or cilantro)
- sea salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Peel and finely dice the cucumber. Peel and finely dice the onion. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed garlic.
- Place the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion into a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
- Finely chop the parsley or your chosen herbs and add to the bowl. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Serve as a side dish with meat, fish, seafood, or grilled cheese.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (185 g/ 6.5 oz).
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, firm vegetables. Avoid soft tomatoes or wilted cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Really need to try this, sounds amazing and love that you’re using ingredients I’ve already got in the house.
That’s the beauty of keeping things simple! 🙂
Just made this and it’s a definite keeper! I love how refreshing it is and that lemon garlic dressing is just perfect. 😊
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
Great recipe, love the simplicity!
Thank you, I agree!
Just tried this recipe and it was good! I think this will be my go to in summer, wish I’ve found It sooner.
Thank you!