Easy Lemony Summer Salad

I love using fresh greens from our garden mixed with fresh lemon juice for an easy lemony summer salad. It’s the perfect effortless summer salad!

We’re growing kale, romaine, red leaf lettuce, spinach, and Boston lettuce in our garden this year and they’re growing like crazy. Nothing tastes better than greens just clipped from the garden! I’m excited to share this easy lemony summer salad with you!

Jump to Recipe

Let’s stroll down to the garden and pick some greens. The more the merrier!

Girl picking kale

On a hot day who wants to turn the oven on? I love harvesting fresh greens from the garden and mixing up a very easy lemon dressing. This recipe is based on this one by Jamie Oliver. I don’t cook the greens though, and I added a fun twist.

I’ve used some fresh chive blossoms on top. I only recently found out they’re edible and they give a lovely hint of color and a great light onion taste. I’ll give you a few more ideas with chives at the bottom of the post along with the recipe card.

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Easy Lemony Summer Salad

Salad with text overlay

This is really a no recipe recipe. You can throw in any salad greens you like. You can also add in any additional fresh produce from your garden or farmer’s market – think fresh snap peas, peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn. 🙂

Ingredients

  • 1 Lemon
  • 2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (You can also use Avocado Oil for a nuttier taste)
  • Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste)
  • Salad Greens – I used Kale, Red Leaf Lettuce, Spinach, Boston Lettuce, Romaine from our garden
  • Chive Blossoms

Method

Step 1 – Wash the lemon. Using a microplane zest the lemon into a mason jar. Squeeze the lemon juice into the same jar.

Step 2 – Add olive oil and salt & pepper to taste. Place lid on top of the jar and shake the dressing to combine.

Step 3 – Harvest fresh greens from your garden and farmers market. I love using a mix of fresh cut greens to add to all the flavors of the salad.

harvesting greens from the garden

Step 4 – Wash lettuces and tear them into a large bowl.

Step 5 – Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

Step 6 – Top with fresh chive blossoms. Soak blossoms in water for several minutes to remove and dirt or bugs.

chive blossoms on summer salad

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy!

mason jar and slice of lemon

This has quickly become a family favorite. It’s quick and easy! A fantastic salad on it’s one but also lovely paired with fresh grilled fish, chicken, or burgers. I also love serving it with a charcuterie board and a mix of hummus and fresh baked bread. You probably have all the ingredients for this easy lemony summer salad already at home!

More Ideas with Chives

Deep fry the blossoms

Erin French shares this easy and genius idea in her cook book The Lost Kitchen. I can’t wait to try this out.

Make a chive blossom vinegarette

Use a cup of fresh chive blossoms, 1 1/2 cups of vinegar and chopped chives leaves (optional).

In mason jar place washed chives blossom, cover with vinegar (stirring and pushing chives down), add leaves if using. Place lid on and let steep at room temperature for two weeks.

Strain vinegar into a lovely bottle and cork or seal.

Salad greens

I can’t wait to hear what you guys think of this salad. I’d also love for you to share your favorite easy summer recipes with me!

Easy Lemony Greens Salad

Danielle Driscoll
Gather fresh greens from the garden and enjoy them with zesty lemon.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • microplane, juicer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lemon Juice and Zest
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil extra virgin
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Mixed Salad Greens
  • Fresh chive blossoms

Instructions
 

  • Step 1 – in a mason jar add zest and juice of one lemon.
  • Step 2 – add olive and salt & pepper. Place lid on mason jar and shake to combine.
  • Step 3 – gather fresh greens from the garden or farmer's market. I used fresh spinach, kale, red leaf lettuce, romaine, and Boston lettuce. Wash greens and tear leaves and place in a bowl.
  • Step 4 – pour dressing on top and toss to cover the leaves.
  • Step 5 – Add fresh cut chive blossoms for a slight onion flavor.
  • Step 6 – Serve!

Notes

This salad is wonderful and super easy. You probably have all the ingredients at home!
Serve alone for a lovely and light meal or serve as a side salad with grilled vegetables, meat or fish. Also lovely with a mezze platter or charcuterie board for easy summer entertaining.
salad with chopping board and lemon slice
5 1 vote
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Donna
3 years ago

Looks delicious! I made chive blossom vinegar last year and will most certainly make it again. Such a pretty color with a lovely mild onion flavor! Have a great weekend!

Shelley
Shelley
3 years ago

5 stars
Love this recipe! Instead of salt I add a dash or two of Bragg liquid aminos. It comes in spray bottles as well. And sometimes I squeeze a few cherry tomatoes without the skin.
its so refreshing and yummy!
its also good on just Arugula with a tad of finely grated Parmesan.
I love the idea of grilled fish and vegetables on it!!
Thank you! I suggest everyone try it!