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Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing

A bright and comforting salad featuring seasonal greens, sweet-tangy balsamic honey dressing, and crunchy textures that elevate any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 5-6 cups Spring mix Tender, peppery blend of baby lettuces, arugula, and spinach.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Burst-in-your-mouth sweetness.
  • 1 small Cucumber, thinly sliced Cool crunch that refreshes every bite.
  • 1/4 cup Red onion, thinly sliced Sharpness mellows when tossed in dressing.
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled goat cheese or feta Creamy tang; use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Toasted walnuts or pecans Adds warmth and crunch.
  • 1/3 cup Dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds Provides a jewel-like pop of sweetness.
Balsamic Honey Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey For a gentle, floral sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Emulsifies and brightens the dressing.
  • 1 small clove Garlic, minced Warms the dressing.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gently rinse and spin dry the spring mix so the leaves are crisp and not soggy. Place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Add halved cherry tomatoes, thin cucumber slices, and slivers of red onion. Scatter the crumbled goat cheese and dried cranberries across the top.
Toasting Nuts
  1. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and golden, shaking the pan often.
Making the Dressing
  1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is glossy and smooth.
Final Assembly
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently so every leaf is coated. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for the final crunch.
  2. Optional: top with grilled protein for a heartier meal. Serve immediately to preserve the crunch and vivid colors.

Notes

Make it vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup. To enhance the salad, consider adding roasted beets, orange segments, or using candied pecans for a sweet crunch.