Save It This Spring Greens Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is the epitome of fresh, seasonal eating. Combining the crispness of cucumbers and radishes with the sweetness of honey and cherry tomatoes, it offers a refreshing bite that is perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to a vibrant dinner side.
Save It The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its textures. Each component, from the thinly sliced carrots to the toasted nuts, contributes to a well-balanced salad that feels both sophisticated and incredibly easy to assemble.
Ingredients
- 120 g (4 cups) spring greens mix (arugula, baby spinach, mâche, or similar)
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 100 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small radish, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned or grated
- 30 g (¼ cup) toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 40 g (¼ cup) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 2
- Place the spring greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radish, and carrot in a large salad bowl.
- Step 3
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts and crumbled feta, if using.
- Step 5
- Serve immediately as a fresh side or light lunch.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Toasting the walnuts or pecans is a simple step that significantly enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch to the salad. You can do this quickly in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version, substitute the honey with maple syrup and omit the feta cheese. To transform this into a heartier meal, consider adding protein such as sliced grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Serviervorschläge
This salad serves as a wonderful fresh side dish or a light standalone lunch. To elevate the meal, pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, chilled rosé.
Save It Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this spring salad is a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece or a side, it brings a touch of freshness and color to your table.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What greens work best for this salad?
Spring mixes like arugula, baby spinach, and mâche offer tender, fresh flavors that complement the dressing well.
- → How can I make the dressing emulsify properly?
Whisk the mustard, honey, and vinegar first before slowly adding olive oil to create a smooth, well-blended dressing.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas are excellent additions to enhance protein while maintaining the fresh character.
- → What nuts are recommended for added crunch?
Toasted walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- → How to adjust for a vegan variation?
Replace honey with maple syrup and omit crumbled feta to keep it plant-based without sacrificing flavor.