Simple Salad Without Lettuce

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Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Toya

Looking for a delicious salad recipe without the lettuce? This simple salad without lettuce is all you will need! It’s made with arugula, avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and a few other easy-to-find ingredients. This salad is both good for you and super tasty and is sure to become one of your go to salad recipes!

When it comes to salads, lettuce is often one of the main ingredients. It seems to be the star in just about nay salad recipe you look up. However, this salad without lettuce is the perfect example of how you can make tasty salads without lettuce. Even though you’ve just run out of lettuce and don’t want to make a store run, or you just don’t like the stuff, there are other fresh greens that can be used in ints place. 

My yummy salad with cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, tangy red onions, and feta cheese cubes, is both a fest for your eyes and a yummy pick me up with just 137 calories per serving! 

So, whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your main course, this salad is just what you need.

Let me show you how to make this easy salad recipe without lettuce!

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
• 2 cups of arugula leaves, washed and dried
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup of feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make salad without lettuce

1. Start by halving the cherry tomatoes and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Next, cut the avocado into cubes. To do so, slice the avocado lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate the halves, remove the pit, and carefully slice the flesh into cubes and dd the avocado to the bowl.
2. Thinly slice the red onion to add a mild, tangy crunch to the salad.
3. Add the fresh arugula to the bowl. Arugula provides a delightful peppery flavor that adds depth to the salad, making it feel a bit more sophisticated than a traditional lettuce-based option. Its slight bitterness is the perfect contrast to the creaminess of the avocado and the tang of the feta cheese.
4. Gently fold in the feta cheese cubes or crumbles. Feta cheese adds a tangy, salty, and creamy flavor to salads and the taste balances well with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, and leafy greens.
5. Drizzle the salad with a little olive oil, just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. For an extra burst of flavor, add a few splashes of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Both options will enhance the freshness of the salad while balancing the richness of the avocado and cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the dressing. Serve immediately, or chill for 10-15 minutes in the fridge if you prefer a colder salad.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Fresh and Vibrant: The combination of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, and tangy feta cheese creates a delicious, vibrant salad without the need for lettuce.
• Packed with Nutrients: This salad is rich in vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and only a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in just minutes, making it the perfect go-to for busy days.
• Customizable: Feel free to add other ingredients you love, like nuts (walnuts or pine nuts), olives, or roasted vegetables. You can also swap the feta cheese for goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a drizzle of pesto!