Vibrant 15-Minute Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop all the fresh vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and slice the cucumber thinly.
2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, and cucumber. Add the chickpeas or shredded chicken/tofu and toss gently.
4. Add the dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls and top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.