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Fresh Spring Mix Salad Recipe with Easy Sweet Balsamic Honey Dressing

fresh spring mix salad - featured image

A quick, fresh, and delightfully balanced salad featuring a crisp spring mix and a sweet-tangy balsamic honey dressing. Perfect as a light meal starter or side for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Spring Mix Greens (baby spinach, arugula, red leaf lettuce, and other tender leaves)
  • Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: toasted walnuts or pecans, crumbled feta or goat cheese, dried cranberries or fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to help dressing cling better. (5 minutes)
  2. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice cucumber and red onion evenly for uniform flavor distribution. (5 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (5 minutes)
  4. Place greens and sliced vegetables in a large salad bowl. Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and add more dressing if desired. (3-4 minutes)
  5. Add optional toppings like toasted nuts, cheese, or dried cranberries, then toss lightly once more. (2 minutes)
  6. Serve immediately for best freshness. Salad can be refrigerated for a few hours before serving.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp greens and dry them well to prevent sogginess. Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar to balance sweetness and acidity. Toast nuts for extra flavor and crunch. Make dressing ahead and shake before use. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising leaves.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring mix salad, balsamic honey dressing, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten-free salad, vegetarian salad