Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing
A vibrant and fresh salad with a sweet-tangy balsamic honey dressing, perfect for weeknight dinners or picnics.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 oz Spring mix salad greens about one standard bag
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber sliced (English cucumber works well)
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese as a milder swap
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped toasted for best flavor
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey substitute maple syrup for vegan
- 1/2 cup olive oil extra-virgin for flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the spring mix and spin or pat dry.
- Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thin red onion.
- Scatter the crumbled feta and chopped nuts over the top.
- If you like crunch, briefly toast the nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Let cool.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl (or a mason jar), whisk or shake together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil until the mixture looks glossy and slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining and Serving
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently with salad tongs to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately to keep the greens crispy.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, skip feta and add sliced avocado or roasted chickpeas. If you prefer less sweetness, drop honey to 1 tablespoon and taste. For a zesty lift, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing.