Bright, crisp, and bursting with flavor, the Whole30 Fresh and Zesty Summer Salad is your go-to dish for a light yet satisfying meal. Packed with wholesome ingredients like crunchy romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, this salad is perfectly balanced with the zest of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Accented by vibrant red bell pepper, crunchy cucumber, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it brings a delightful medley of textures and colors to your plate. With no cooking required and ready in just 20 minutes, this gluten-free, dairy-free, and Whole30-compliant recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, healthy lunches, or as a fresh side dish. The easy homemade dressing—infused with garlic powder and a hint of black pepper—ties it all together, making each bite irresistibly zesty and nutritious.
Start by preparing the vegetables. Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and chop it into bite-size pieces. Place it into a large salad bowl.
Rinse the cherry tomatoes and slice them in halves. Add them to the salad bowl.
Peel the cucumber if desired, then slice it into thin rounds. Add to the bowl with the lettuce and tomatoes.
Thinly slice the half red onion into rings or half-rings, depending on your preference, and add to the salad.
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, scoop the flesh out with a spoon, and dice it. Gently add it to the salad mixture.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the salad for a burst of flavor and color.
Remove the seeds and core from the red bell pepper, thinly slice it into strips, and add to the salad.
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until well-mixed and emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve immediately for a crisp and refreshing Whole30-friendly salad.
Calories |
1009 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.0 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1278 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.8 g | ||
| Protein | 12.3 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 2710 mg | 58% | |
*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.