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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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Mixed Green Salad
A mixed 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 classic green salad recipe 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.
Ingredients
For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
- Leafy greens – I usually use a prewashed 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 thinly sliced red onion give this salad a nice sharp bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Slivered almonds – 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 Mixed Green Salad
- Make the Honey Dijon vinaigrette
- Add the mixed greens, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and slivered almonds & pepitas to a bowl. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve and enjoy!
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Tips for the Best Green Salad Recipe
Follow these simple tips and your mixed green salad will turn out great every time.
- Start with dry greens. If you wash the spring mix, dry it thoroughly so the Honey Dijon dressing coats the leaves instead of becoming watery.
- Dress the salad right before serving. Spring mix is delicate and can wilt quickly once dressed, so toss everything together just before serving.
- Add the dressing gradually. Start with a little, gently toss, and add more as needed to avoid overdressing the greens.
- Soften sharp red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the thinly sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and dry well.
- Toast the almonds and pepitas. A quick toast brings out their nutty flavor and adds even more crunch.
- Taste the dressing before adding it. Adjust the Honey Dijon dressing with a little more honey for sweetness, vinegar or Dijon for tang, or salt as needed.
- Prep ahead, assemble later. Make the dressing and prep the vegetables ahead of time, but store everything separately and assemble the salad just before serving.
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Mixed Green Salad
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Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups Spring mix, or your favorite mixed greens
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds and pepitas, or your favorite nuts/seeds
Honey Dijon Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey, or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Honey Dijon dressing. Add the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl or jar. Whisk until well combined, or cover the jar and shake until the dressing is smooth and blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad. Add the spring mix to a large serving bowl. Top with the sliced cucumber, red onion, slivered almonds, and pepitas.
- Dress the salad. Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss until the greens and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Dry the greens well so the Honey Dijon dressing coats them without becoming watery.
- Don’t overdress the salad. Start with less dressing, toss gently, and add more as needed.
- Dress just before serving to prevent the delicate mixed greens from wilting.
- Taste the Honey Dijon dressing before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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.
Variations for Simple Green Salad
There are so many ways to change up your green salad recipe. 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
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Store the greens: I like to keep spring mix in an airtight container with a dry paper towel to absorb any extra moisture. It’s a simple trick that helps the greens stay fresh and crisp longer. Replace the paper towel if it gets damp.
- Make ahead: You can prep the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend keeping everything separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss everything together just before serving so the greens stay fresh.
- Store leftovers: Once the salad is dressed, the greens will start to soften. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to enjoy them as soon as possible for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love this Green Salad
Here are some of the reasons I love this easy tossed green salad recipe:
- Quick and easy: This simple green salad comes together in minutes with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
- Fresh and flavorful: Crisp cucumber, red onion, nuts, and seeds add plenty of crunch, while the homemade Honey Dijon dressing brings everything together.
- Easy to customize: Use your favorite mixed greens, nuts, seeds, or toppings to make it your own.
- Goes with almost anything: It’s an easy side salad for weeknight dinners, holidays, or whenever you need something fresh on the table.
More Green Salad Recipes
Love this salad? Check out more easy 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
