Bella Hadid Lemon Salad

I first threw this salad together on a Tuesday afternoon when I had nothing in the fridge but random vegetables and a block of feta. Sometimes the best meals happen by accident when you are too hungry to overthink it.

My roommate walked in mid toss and immediately demanded the recipe. I felt almost guilty admitting there was nothing to it except good ingredients and not overcomplicating something that works.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Romaine lettuce: Romaine holds up better than delicate greens and gives you that satisfying crunch in every bite
• 1 cup cucumber: Thin slices are key here so they bend instead of snap when you eat
• 1 cup sweet bell pepper: Red or yellow brings natural sweetness that balances the salty feta perfectly
• 1/2 cup feta cheese: Do not skip this or swap it the feta is what pulls all the vegetables together
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here since the flavor really shines in a simple dressing
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice never tastes the same so squeeze a fresh lemon if you possibly can
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: This is the secret that makes the dressing cling to the vegetables instead of pooling at the bottom
• 1/2 teaspoon honey: Just a touch rounds out the sharpness and ties everything together
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Taste first and add more if needed since the feta brings its own saltiness
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground makes a huge difference over the pre ground stuff

Instructions

Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.

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Whisk together the dressing:

Grab a small bowl and whisk the olive oil lemon juice Dijon mustard honey salt and pepper until everything emulsifies into a silky dressing

Prep your vegetables:

In a large salad bowl toss together the chopped romaine cucumber slices and bell pepper strips so they are ready for the dressing

Dress and toss:

Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables then use tongs or clean hands to toss everything gently until each piece is lightly coated

Add the feta:

Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top right before serving so it stays in distinct salty bites rather than disappearing into the salad

Serve it up:

Plate the salad immediately while everything still has that perfect crisp bite to it

Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.

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Save

This became my go to lunch for weeks after that first accidental creation. Some recipes stick around because they are fancy and others because they just work every single time.

Making It Your Own

Fresh herbs like parsley or mint brighten the whole bowl and make it feel like something you would order at a restaurant. Sometimes I throw in avocado when I want something more substantial.

Dairy Free Swaps

Goat cheese works beautifully if you want a milder flavor or you can leave the cheese out entirely and let the vegetables shine. The dressing has enough flavor that you will not miss it.

Texture Upgrades

Toasted nuts add a whole new dimension and turn this from a side salad into something that feels like a complete meal. A handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts makes it feel special.

• Toast nuts in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them on top
• Let them cool completely so they stay crunchy in the salad
• Add them right before serving so they do not get soft

Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.

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Save

Simple food done well beats complicated recipes every single time. This salad proved that to me and now it is probably the thing I make most often.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the dressing flavorful?

The dressing blends fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for a zesty, balanced taste.

→ Can I substitute the feta cheese?

Yes, goat cheese works well, or you can omit cheese for a dairy-free option without losing freshness.

→ How to keep vegetables crisp?

Use fresh, chilled vegetables and toss gently just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

→ Are there optional ingredients to enhance this dish?

Adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts can boost flavor and texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it contains naturally gluten-free ingredients and fits vegetarian and gluten-free preferences.