A vibrant, flavor-packed salad that’s crisp, creamy, and perfectly balanced — this easy-to-make dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With crisp veggies, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tangy homemade dressing, it’s anything but boring.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale, or your favorite blend)
- 1 large cucumber , thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper , diced
- 1 small red onion , finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a creamier touch)
- ½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a lighter tang)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
🥄 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- A pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper
Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust:
- Need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar.
- Want it sweeter? A bit more honey works wonders.
Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine:
- Mixed greens
- Sliced cucumber
- Diced red bell pepper
- Chopped red onion
- Halved cherry tomatoes
Toss gently to mix.
Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle over:
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
- Dried cranberries or cherries
These ingredients bring richness, crunch, and balance — turning a simple salad into a satisfying meal.
Step 4: Dress & Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
Toss gently to coat the greens evenly — you don’t want to crush the tomatoes or bruise the greens.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Results
✅ Meal Prep Friendly:
Store dressing separately in a small jar. Keep dry ingredients together and add cheese, nuts, and fruit just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
✅ Make It Heartier:
Add any of the following for extra protein and fullness:
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Cooked quinoa or farro
- Chickpeas or white beans
- Sliced avocado
✅ Seasonal Swaps:
- Spring/Summer: Swap dried fruit for fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.
- Fall/Winter: Use pomegranate seeds, sliced apples, or roasted squash.
✅ Nut-Free?
Skip the nuts and add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Light lunch: Serve as-is with a slice of warm crusty bread.
- Dinner upgrade: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Potluck perfect: Doubles easily and travels well (dressing on the side).
Final Thoughts
This Fresh, Tangy & Addictive Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re feeding yourself, your family, or guests, it’s guaranteed to impress.
And the best part?
It comes together in 10 minutes , tastes restaurant-quality, and leaves you feeling light, energized, and totally satisfied.
🥗 One bite — and you’ll be hooked.
