Green Salad with Eggs: A Tasty and Nutritious Summer Delight

Green Salad with Eggs: A Tasty and Nutritious Summer Delight

When you’re craving a refreshing yet hearty meal, this Green Salad with Hard-Cooked Eggs is the perfect answer.

It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require any oven time, and combines the best of fresh ingredients for a healthy dish.

Not only is this salad quick to make, but it’s also satisfying enough to serve as a main course, especially on hot days when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and how you can whip up this delightful dish.

Ingredients for Your Summer Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own green salad with eggs at home:

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce (about 1 pound)
• 1 pint of halved grape tomatoes
• 3 stalks of thinly sliced celery
• 6 ounces of dill-flavored Havarti cheese, cubed (approximately 1 ½ cups)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper to taste
• Hard-cooked eggs (we’ll guide you through this process later)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Lettuce and Vegetables

Start by washing and cutting the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. This adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. Place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl.

Next, add the halved grape tomatoes and thinly sliced celery. These vegetables bring a burst of color and freshness to your plate, while also adding important nutrients.

2. Cube the Havarti Cheese

Cut the dill-flavored Havarti cheese into small cubes. This creamy and flavorful cheese adds richness to your salad, making it more filling and satisfying. Add it to the bowl with the lettuce and vegetables.

3. Make the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Gradually, as you continue to whisk, pour in the olive oil in a steady stream.

This creates a smooth and emulsified dressing. Season it with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.

4. Toss the Salad

Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad. Toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. This step ensures that each bite is packed with flavor.

5. Add the Hard-Cooked Eggs

Top your salad with hard-cooked eggs for added protein and a creamy texture.

Not only do the eggs enhance the nutritional value of the dish, but they also make it more filling. You can quarter the eggs lengthwise to create neat, attractive slices.

How to Make Perfect Hard-Cooked Eggs

To make the hard-cooked eggs for this green salad, follow these simple steps:

1. Place 4 large eggs in a small saucepan.
2. Cover the eggs with water, ensuring there is about 1 inch of water above the eggs.
3. Bring the water to a boil, and as soon as it starts boiling, remove the saucepan from heat.
4. Cover the pan and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 12 minutes.
5. Drain the eggs and rinse them under cold water until they are cool enough to handle.
6. Peel the eggs, and slice them into quarters lengthwise.

Serving Suggestions

This green salad with eggs can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or served alongside your favorite summer dishes like grilled chicken or fish.

For added texture, you can sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds over the top. Pair it with a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade, and you’ve got a perfect meal for a hot summer day.

Nutritional Benefits of This Green Salad

This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here are some health benefits you’ll get from the key ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce is low in calories and high in essential nutrients like vitamins A and K, which support healthy vision and blood clotting.
• Grape tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Celery adds a dose of fiber, which is important for digestion, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Havarti cheese brings in calcium and protein, both of which are essential for strong bones and muscles.
• Hard-cooked eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, and they contain important vitamins like B12 and D, which support brain and bone health.

Customizing Your Salad

This green salad with eggs is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative with additional toppings and ingredients:

• Avocados can add a creamy texture and healthy fats to your salad.
• Cucumbers bring extra crunch and hydration.
• For a boost of protein, you could add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy bacon.
• To enhance the flavor, try sprinkling in some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.

You can also switch up the type of cheese you use—try goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor, or stick with a milder cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.

Why You Should Choose Green Salad with Eggs

There are plenty of reasons why this green salad with hard-cooked eggs should be your go-to summer meal:

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a nutritious and delicious salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• No Oven Required: Avoid heating up your kitchen during the hot months by skipping the oven altogether.
• Healthy and Balanced: With a mix of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, this salad provides a well-rounded meal that’s good for your body.
• Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or serving it as a side dish, this salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your preferences.

FAQs

How long can I store green salad with hard-cooked eggs?

It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh. However, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to one day. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Can I substitute the Havarti cheese with another type of cheese?

Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even mozzarella for different flavors and textures.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, but it’s best to store the salad components separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat. This way, the vegetables stay crisp, and the eggs and cheese remain fresh.

By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious green salad with hard-cooked eggs that’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition.