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This fresh mixed green salad is light, crisp, and full of vibrant flavor. An easy side dish that is ready in just 10 minutes. It’s a simple way to add something wholesome to any meal.
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A simple green salad is one of those go-to sides I rely on all the time – whether it’s paired with baked chicken, a cozy bowl of soup, or pasta night. The fresh salad greens, crunchy toppings, and homemade salad dressing come together in just minutes, and it’s always a hit. This salad has been on repeat in my kitchen lately, and I have a feeling it’ll become your favorite easy side salad, too!
If your Easter menu needs a quick addition, this salad is an easy last-minute side dish.
For more quick and easy side salads, check these out: Caprese Salad, Broccoli Salad, Classic Cucumber Salad, and Carrot Salad.
Why You Need This Salad!
Here are some of the reasons I love this easy-peasy tossed green salad recipe:
- Simple & quick: This simple green salad comes together in minutes using fresh spring mix and a simple dressing, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Versatile: It’s a light and refreshing side that pairs well with just about anything -from grilled meats to pasta dishes.
- Customizable: Start with a spring mix salad base, then mix in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or dressings to match any meal or flavor preference.
Ingredients
For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Leafy greens – I usually use a spring mix salad base, but you can swap in any fresh leafy greens you like for this simple green salad. You can substitute with arugula, baby spinach, red romaine, or butter lettuce.
- Cucumber – Thinly sliced cucumber adds a fresh, crisp crunch to every bite.
- Red Onion – Just a few slivers of red onion give this salad a nice sharp bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Almonds & pumpkin seeds – I love tossing in sliced almonds and pepitas for a little texture and nuttiness. Toast them for extra flavor.
- Honey Dijon Vinaigrette – You’ll whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. It’s simple, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
- Salt & Pepper – A quick sprinkle at the end helps bring out all the fresh flavors in your salad.
Optional Side Salad Add-Ins
I usually keep this simple greens salad just as it is – mixed greens tossed with a light dressing. But if you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment. Here are a few easy add-ins I like to add to my tossed green salad sometimes:
- Fresh produce like cherry tomatoes, avocado, grated carrot, grated purple cabbage, bell pepper, cooked beets, homegrown broccoli sprouts, fresh parsley, or blueberries.
- Nuts or seeds like pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pistachios.
- Sometimes, I like to sprinkle in cheese like crumbled feta, goat cheese, or finely grated parmesan.
How to Make Simple Mixed Green Salad
- Make the honey Dijon vinaigrette
- Dress the salad with the vinaigrette.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Notes and Tips
Follow these simple tips and your mixed green salad will turn out great every time.
- Add the dressing right before serving to keep the fresh salad greens from wilting.
- Buy prewashed spring mix to save time and make prep even easier.
- Keep salad greens fresh by storing them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Make the homemade salad dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Customize your simple green salad with your favorite toppings or a different dressing to change things up.
- Store any leftover tossed green salad in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days.
Variations
There are so many ways to change up your simple green salad. Pick one or two ideas below to match your mood or what you have on hand.
- Mexican-inspired: Add black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of queso fresco. Finish with a lime vinaigrette.
- Mediterranean-style: Mix in Kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onion, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.
- Main meal salad: Turn your spring mix salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, steak, salmon, grilled shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This simple greens salad makes a light, crisp side for all kinds of main dishes. A simple tossed green salad like this one pairs perfectly with everything from cozy comfort foods to fresh-off-the-grill favorites. Here are a few of my go-to ideas:
- Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Traditional Meatloaf
- Baked Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze
- Chicken & Proscuitto Pasta
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
More Green Salad Recipes
Love this salad? Check out more simple green salad recipes to keep things fresh and easy all week!
- Classic Caesar Salad (with the best Caesar dressing)
- Wedge Salad
- Chef Salad
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
If you enjoyed this Simple Tossed Green Salad recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
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Mixed Green Salad
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Ingredients
- 6 cups Spring mix, or your favorite mixed greens
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds and pepitas, or your favorite nuts/seeds
Honey Dijon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Whisk or shake well until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble the salad: Add the spring mix to a large bowl, along with any optional add-ins you like. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of kosher salt and ground black pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the greens and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and enjoy right away!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this recipe is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. I am not a doctor or a dietitian. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your diet or health. For more details, please read my full disclosure page.
