Description
Elevate your everyday spring mix into a vibrant, flavor-packed masterpiece with this easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy crisp greens, toasted nuts, and a homemade vinaigrette for a perfectly balanced side or light meal.
Ingredients
- 5 oz (142g) spring mix greens
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup fruity accents (fresh berries, mandarin oranges, or dried cranberries)
- 1/4 cup creamy cheese crumbles (feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese)
- For the Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp quality vinegar (balsamic, red wine, or apple cider)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional Add-ins:
- Grilled chicken, chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Your Greens: Gently wash spring mix in cold water, then thoroughly dry using a salad spinner or paper towels. Chill until ready to use.
- 2. Toast Your Nuts: Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Let cool completely.
- 3. Assemble Your Components: In a large salad bowl, combine dried spring mix, fruity accents, toasted nuts, and cheese crumbles.
- 4. Whisk the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey/maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- 5. Dress and Serve Immediately: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Add croutons and serve immediately for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins