Spring Mix Salad With Balsamic Honey Dressing Recipe

There’s something irresistibly refreshing about a bowl of Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing. The tender greens, crisp veggies, and tangy-sweet vinaigrette come together in a way that tastes like sunshine in every bite.

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I first made this salad on a whim during a late spring lunch when I needed something light yet satisfying. Since then, it’s become a staple at our dinner table, picnics, and even holiday gatherings. It’s quick, colorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you need a quick side for grilled chicken or a simple lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this salad hits all the right notes. Let me show you why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Spring Mix Salad With Balsamic Honey Dressing

Say hello to your new favorite salad. This Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing checks all the boxes for ease, flavor, and presentation.

First off, it takes less than 15 minutes from fridge to table. No fancy techniques or special tools required, just a cutting board and a whisk. It’s ideal for those last-minute meals when you still want something fresh and homemade.

The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly. Spring mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a quick homemade vinaigrette made with pantry staples like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. You might already have everything you need!

This salad is also highly customizable. Add goat cheese, sliced strawberries, grilled chicken, or roasted nuts depending on your mood or what you have in the fridge.

And finally, it’s a hit with everyone. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory makes it kid-friendly and appealing to even the pickiest eaters.

Once you taste that dressing drizzled over tender greens, you'll want to keep this one on repeat.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of this salad lies in its beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient plays a part in bringing out a harmony of textures and flavors.

Spring mix is the star here. Look for a blend that includes tender baby greens like spinach, arugula, and red leaf lettuce. The variety adds both color and subtle differences in taste that elevate the salad.

Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy dressing. I like to halve them for easier bites and a pop of color.

Cucumber adds crunch and coolness. I usually go for English cucumbers since they’re seedless and have a thinner skin, but any variety will work just fine.

Red onion offers just the right amount of sharpness. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to mellow the flavor.

For the balsamic honey dressing, you’ll need extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. This combo creates a balanced vinaigrette that clings beautifully to the greens without overpowering them.

No fancy equipment is required, but a small mason jar or whisk and bowl makes emulsifying the dressing a breeze.

How To Make This Spring Mix Salad With Balsamic Honey Dressing

Making this salad is as easy as it gets, but the flavor payoff is huge. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preparing your dressing. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, glossy vinaigrette.

Next, wash and dry your spring mix. Even if it’s pre-washed, I like to give it a quick rinse and spin in the salad spinner to make sure it's clean and dry – dry greens hold onto dressing much better.

Slice your cherry tomatoes in half and cut your cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion, keeping the pieces delicate so they don't overpower each bite.

In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly.

Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss again, coating the leaves lightly. Add more dressing to taste, and reserve any leftover for another day – it keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Expect a crisp, vibrant, flavor-packed salad that feels anything but basic.

Storage Options

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the tender greens can wilt once dressed. However, you can prep the components ahead of time to make things easier later.

Store the washed and dried spring mix in a salad spinner or a sealed container lined with paper towels to keep it crisp for up to 3 days.

Chopped veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion can be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

The balsamic honey dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using.

If you do end up with leftover dressed salad, it’s still good the next day, though the greens will be softer. Add a bit of fresh spring mix to revive it before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Spring Mix Salad is how adaptable it is. You can mix and match ingredients depending on your preferences or pantry situation.

Want to add protein? Grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas turn this into a hearty main dish. A few slices of hard-boiled egg work beautifully too.

Swap the cherry tomatoes for sliced strawberries or apple slices for a fruity twist. Pears and dried cranberries also add a lovely sweetness.

Cheese fans can add crumbled goat cheese, feta, or shaved parmesan. Each brings a different flavor profile that pairs well with the balsamic dressing.

For crunch, try toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. They add texture and a bit of richness without much effort.

Don’t have balsamic vinegar? Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch, though you may need to adjust the honey to balance the tang.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this salad your own. That’s the beauty of a recipe like this – it’s more of a starting point than a set-in-stone formula. Enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!

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