This Fresh Everything Bagel Salad is a fun twist on your favorite bagel! It’s packed with crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and mixed greens, all tossed in a tasty dressing. Yum!
I love how this salad brightens up my plate. Who knew bagels could be so fresh? Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, especially when I’m craving something crispy and colorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed salad greens: I recommend using a mix of romaine, arugula, and spinach for a balance of flavors. If you can’t find these, any leafy greens will work well, like kale or butter lettuce.
Everything bagel: Fresh bagels really elevate the salad. If you don’t have an everything bagel, you can use plain bagels with a sprinkle of the seasoning mix or even croutons for a different texture.
Cucumber: For a crunchy bite, a large cucumber is perfect. If you’re short on cucumbers, try bell peppers, radishes, or even jicama for a crisp alternative.
Cream cheese or feta: Cream cheese offers creaminess, while feta adds a salty bite. Feel free to swap it with goat cheese, blue cheese, or even cubed avocado for a dairy-free option.
Everything bagel seasoning: You can easily make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. It gives that signature flavor that ties everything together!
How Do I Make Sure My Bagel Croutons Are Perfectly Crispy?
To achieve crispy bagel croutons, it’s all about the baking process. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is crucial. Spread the cubed bagels out on a baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly.
- Sprinkle them with olive oil and seasoning, and toss well to coat.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once they’re golden, let them cool a bit before adding to the salad; this gives them a nice crunch!
These croutons add so much character to the salad, so don’t skip this step!
Fresh Everything Bagel Salad with Cucumber Crunch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
- 1 everything bagel, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped for crunch
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled cream cheese or feta cheese
For the Seasoning and Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh dill or chives for garnish
Time Needed:
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake the croutons, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Bagel Croutons:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, take your everything bagel and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning over the cubes, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss them gently to make sure they’re coated well. Bake for about 8–10 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Once done, take them out and let them cool.
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. This combination adds vibrant color and delicious crunch to your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or agave), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing gives a lovely zing to the salad!
4. Toss Everything Together:
Pour the freshly made dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables. This ensures every bite is full of flavor!
5. Add the Final Touches:
Now, add your toasted everything bagel croutons and sprinkle the crumbled cream cheese or feta cheese on top. For a boost of flavor, sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning over the salad.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives on top for a pretty finish. Serve your salad immediately to enjoy the freshness and crunch!
Enjoy this bright, crunchy salad that brings the beloved flavors of an everything bagel to a fresh vegetable salad! It’s sure to be a hit at your table!
FAQ for Fresh Everything Bagel Salad with Cucumber Crunch
Can I Use Fresh Bagels Instead of Stale Bagels for Croutons?
Absolutely! While stale bagels work best for croutons because they hold up better when baked, fresh bagels can be used too. Just cut them into cubes and toast them a little longer in the oven to achieve that perfect crunch!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunchiness. Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Substitute the cream cheese or feta with avocado or dairy-free cheese. Also, replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup to keep it plant-based.
What Can I Serve with This Salad?
This salad makes a great main dish on its own, but you can pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a more filling meal. It also goes beautifully with a light soup!
