Summer Salad with Clean Eating Buttermilk Dressing

Fresh, crisp, and satisfying—this vibrant summer salad is light yet filling, with a creamy tangy buttermilk dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

 Time & Yield

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 0 minutes
• Total: ~15 minutes
• Serves: 4

 Ingredients

Salad Base

• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional but recommended)

Protein (optional but filling)

• 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
  or
• 2 boiled eggs, halved
  or
• 1 cup chickpeas (for vegetarian option)

 Clean Buttermilk Dressing

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Dressing

1. In a bowl or jar, whisk together buttermilk, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until smooth and creamy. Chill while preparing salad.

2️⃣ Prepare the Salad

1. Wash and chop all vegetables.
2. Add greens, cucumber, tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, and red onion to a large bowl.
3. Add your choice of protein if using.

3️⃣ Assemble

1. Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
2. Toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Top with avocado slices if using.

 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~220 (without chicken)
• Protein: ~10–25 g (depending on protein choice)
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
• Fat: ~12 g

 Nut & Allergen Information

• Nut-free: Yes
• Contains dairy: Buttermilk, Greek yogurt
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Egg-free: Yes (unless eggs are added)

 Q & A

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes—store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use plant-based yogurt and dairy-free milk with a splash of lemon.

Q: How do I make it more filling?
A: Add chicken, eggs, quinoa, or chickpeas.

Q: Can I meal prep this salad?
A: Yes—keep dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Yes—light, nutrient-dense, and high in fiber.

 Pro Tips

• Chill the dressing for 10–15 minutes for better flavor
• Grill the corn for a smoky summer taste
• Add sunflower seeds or croutons for crunch
• Use ripe avocado for creaminess without extra calories

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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