Heart-Healthy Classic Italian Salad

Brighten your table with this Heart-Healthy Classic Italian Salad, a vibrant medley of fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients perfect for any occasion. Loaded with mixed salad greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a burst of flavor from red bell peppers, red onion, and Kalamata olives, this salad strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious. Creamy avocado and fragrant torn basil leaves elevate each bite, while a simple lemon-garlic olive oil dressing ties it all together with zesty sophistication. Ready in just 20 minutes, this no-cook, heart-healthy salad is the ultimate recipe for anyone seeking a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired side dish or light main course packed with antioxidants and healthy fats. Perfect for those following a clean eating or heart-friendly lifestyle, this flavorful salad will quickly become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups Mixed Salad Greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium Cucumber, sliced
• 0.5 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, sliced
• 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved
• 1 medium Avocado, diced
• 0.5 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
• 3 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 medium Lemon, juiced
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and dry the salad greens thoroughly. Place in a large salad bowl.

Step 2

Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced red bell pepper, and halved Kalamata olives to the bowl with the greens.

Step 3

Gently fold in the diced avocado to prevent it from mushing.

Step 4

Sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the top of the salad.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 6

Drizzle the olive oil and lemon dressing over the salad ingredients.

Step 7

Toss the salad gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious and heart-healthy Italian salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1251.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1083.7

Total Fat 91.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2841.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 18.0g
Protein 16.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 516.2mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 2753.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.0%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 22.3%