Garden salad tossed with a rich balsamic dressing and made without oil or cream.

I love salad. When it’s made right, it becomes a delicious feel good meal. Growing up, I often gravitated to big salads packed with veggies, protein, cheese and creamy sauces. I thought I was being healthy and eating good food. Veggies are good for you, right? Not always. I remember being shocked when I found out that some salads are more fattening than a burger with fries. That truth was a little hard to swallow.

Creamy Balsamic Garden Salad is definitely less fattening than a burger and fries. And it’s just as delicious as your favourite creamy dressing. Made with only four ingredients, this healthy dressing will leave everyone wondering if this salad is actually as healthy as they think.

The combination of Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, honey and Dijon mustard creates a rich, perfectly flavoured salad dressing. Greek yogurt is naturally creamy. It effortlessly replaces cream, mayonnaise or oil in classic salad dressings. Balsamic vinegar is a little sweet and tart, which easily complements the rich yogurt texture. Honey adds a mellow sweetness and Dijon mustard creates a pop of flavour that rounds out the dressing. Together, these four ingredients create a combination of flavours that make a super salad dressing.

The garden salad, pictured above, is just a simple salad that easily highlights the creamy balsamic salad dressing. Feel free to customize this salad. You can add your favourite toppings, like shredded carrots, kernels of corn or sliced avocado.

Can’t get enough? Keep up to date with recipes and other fun at This Happy Mommy. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

[recipe]

[recipe title=”Creamy Balsamic Garden Salad” servings=”4″ time=”5 minutes” difficulty=”Easy” print=”false”]

While most creamy salad dressings are loaded with cream, oil or fatty cheese, Creamy Balsamic Garden Salad has all the rich flavour, without the excess fat. Made with only four ingredients this healthy dressing is perfect for your favourite garden salad.

Garden Salad Ingredients:

• 1 head lettuce, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, cut into small wedges
• 1/2 cucumber, chopped
• 3 tablespoons onion, thinly sliced

Creamy Balsamic Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
• 2 and 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine yogurt, balsamic vinegar, honey and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined.
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. Toss with creamy balsamic dressing.
3. Plate and enjoy!

[/recipe]

If you love salad, you may also enjoy Strawberry Guacamole

Avocado Caesar Salad

Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad

Fiesta Corn Salad

Guacamole

Do you love fresh salads? Have you tried Creamy Balsamic Garden Salad?