As the sun shines brighter and flowers bloom all around, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing salad to celebrate the arrival of spring. A Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing not only bursts with vibrant colors but also boasts a delightful combination of flavors. This dish is perfect as a light lunch or a zesty accompaniment to dinner, making it a versatile addition to your meal prep.
With crisp greens and a sweet-tangy dressing, this easy salad elevates any dining experience. Furthermore, the harmony of fresh ingredients and the mouthwatering balsamic honey glaze creates a truly delectable dish that will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to prepare this delightful springtime favorite!
Ingredients for Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing:
- 6 cups spring mix greens (baby spinach, arugula, and baby lettuces; substitute with kale for a heartier option)
- ½ cup strawberries, sliced (or substitute with blueberries or raspberries for seasonal variety)
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (feta works too; vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts (plain toasted nuts are a healthy alternative)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water for a milder flavor if desired)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional; pumpkin seeds can be substituted for diversity)
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra-virgin recommended for optimal flavor)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (apple cider vinegar can also be used)
- 1 tbsp honey (maple syrup is a great vegan substitute)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the dressing)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (fresh is preferred, while garlic powder can work in a pinch)
- ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
This Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing is not only refreshing but also can be customized with a variety of fruits and toppings. With the layers of flavors from the sweetness of strawberries to the tanginess of goat cheese, your palate will thrive. Enjoy this easy spring salad on its own or as a side dish for heartier meals.
How to Prepare Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing:
Creating a vibrant Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing is both quick and effortless. Start by washing and drying 6 cups of spring mix greens, which include baby spinach, arugula, and baby lettuces. For a changed texture, feel free to substitute kale. Next, slice ½ cup of fresh strawberries and arrange them artfully atop the greens. The sweet-tartness of the strawberries complements the earthy flavors beautifully. Sprinkle ¼ cup of crumbled goat cheese over the salad, or use feta for a creamier bite.
For an irresistible crunch, add ¼ cup of candied pecans or walnuts. If you prefer less sweetness, opt for plain toasted nuts. A hint of sharpness comes from ¼ small red onion, sliced thinly—soaking it briefly in cold water can tone down its intensity. Toss in ¼ cup of sunflower seeds for a protein boost, if desired.
To prepare the dressing, whisk together ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a minced small garlic clove. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle this flavorful dressing over your salad and toss gently to combine. For a delightful pairing, check out my Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad for more fresh salad inspiration this season.
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Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing is a refreshing blend of greens, fruits, and nuts, perfect for bringing a taste of spring to your table.
Ingredients
6 cups spring mix greens
½ cup strawberries sliced
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
¼ small red onion thinly sliced
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove minced
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spring mix greens, strawberries, goat cheese, pecans or walnuts, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is nicely coated.
- Sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top, if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
Feel free to customize the salad with seasonal fruits or different nuts based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: Simple Spring Mix Salad, Balsamic Honey Dressing, Spring Salad, Healthy Salad Recipe, Easy Salad
Health Benefits of Spring Mix Greens:
Spring mix greens, a delightful blend of young lettuces, offer an impressive array of health benefits. They are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them an ideal base for a Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, these greens support eye health, boost immunity, and promote healthy bones. Additionally, their high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Incorporating vibrant salads into your diet can also lower the risk of chronic diseases, thanks to the antioxidants found in various leaves. Moreover, spring mix is versatile; you can pair it with fruits, nuts, or proteins for a balanced meal. Experimenting with different dressings, such as the one in this recipe, allows you to enjoy a fresh and flavorful experience. So, get creative, and enjoy a bowl of spring greens!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing:
To make your Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing even more delightful, consider pairing it with complementary dishes. This fresh salad is an excellent side to grilled chicken or a hearty main dish like honey garlic chicken thighs. The sweetness of the chicken enhances the tang and sweetness of the salad’s dressing.
For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a comforting bowl of crock pot chicken Alfredo with broccoli. The creamy sauce contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens.
Moreover, you can enjoy it as a light meal, topped with nuts or berries to add crunch and color. This vibrant salad can also accompany a savory dish like sweet potato salad for a richer dining experience.
Whatever you choose, the Simple Spring Mix Salad can elevate your meal, making it fresh and satisfying.
Variations :
If you’re seeking to elevate your Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing, consider several tasty variations. Try adding sliced strawberries or apples for a sweet and refreshing crunch. Nuts like walnuts or pecans introduce a delightful texture, while cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, adds creamy richness. For protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can turn your vibrant salad into a fulfilling meal.
If you enjoy unique flavor profiles, consider a fruit-forward twist with blueberries, as seen in our Blueberry Pistachio Spring Salad. Moreover, swapping balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar can add a tangy zing to your dressing. Experimenting with different greens or adding grains like quinoa can also enhance both nutrition and taste. These changes can keep your spring salad fresh and enjoyable every time you make it.
Storage tips for Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing:
To keep your Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing fresh, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate the salad for up to three days, but consume the dressing within a week. For a delightful twist, try adding elements from a blueberry pistachio spring salad to enhance flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients are essential for Simple Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing?
To create this refreshing salad, you’ll need a mix of spring greens like arugula, spinach, or mesclun. Additionally, fresh vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion enhance flavor and color. For the dressing, combining balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper is key.
How can I make the dressing healthier?
You can reduce the honey quantity to lower sugar content, or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Additionally, using extra virgin olive oil enriches the dressing with healthy fats.
Can I add proteins to the salad?
Absolutely! Adding grilled chicken or chickpeas increases nutritional value and makes the salad more filling. For a vegetarian option, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs or feta cheese.
How do I store leftovers of this salad?
To keep your Simple Spring Mix Salad fresh, store the dressing separately. If mixed, the greens can wilt quickly. However, when stored properly, it can last up to a day in the refrigerator.
Can I experiment with other greens for the salad?
Certainly! While a spring mix is fantastic, feel free to use other greens like kale or romaine. Mixing textures offers a different flavor profile and enhances your salad experience.
What pairings complement this salad well?
This light salad works wonderfully with grilled fish or roasted chicken. For a delightful meal, try it alongside my Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, which balances well with the salad’s freshness.