This salad comes together in about 15 minutes, with a simple, tangy dressing that complements the eggs perfectly.
Yields: 1 large lunch salad or 2 side salads
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5-7 minutes (for the eggs)
For the Salad:
4-5 cups of mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or a pre-washed salad mix)
2 large eggs
1-2 tablespoons of chopped red onion (optional, for a bit of bite)
Optional extras: A handful of cherry tomatoes (halved), sliced cucumber, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
For the Simple Vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced or grated (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cook the Eggs: Place the eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes for perfectly hard-boiled yolks. Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for a few minutes before peeling.
Make the Dressing: While the eggs are cooling, make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened.
Assemble the Salad: Place your mixed greens in a large bowl. Add any optional extras like red onion or cherry tomatoes.
Dress and Toss: Drizzle about half of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing to your taste.
Finish and Serve: Transfer the dressed greens to a plate or bowl. Peel the hard-boiled eggs, slice them in half or into quarters, and arrange them on top of the salad. Season the eggs with a little extra salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Creamy Version: Skip the vinaigrette and simply drizzle the salad with a tablespoon of good-quality mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds, croutons, or chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds).
Make it a Meal: Add a can of drained chickpeas or tuna for extra protein.
Different Eggs: For a runny yolk, make soft-boiled eggs (cook for 6-7 minutes) or jammy eggs (cook for 7-8 minutes). They are delicious when the yolk runs over the greens.
Cheesy Twist: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your quick, healthy, and delicious salad