Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Salad featuring mixed tender greens, crisp radishes, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, toasted nuts or seeds, and plant-based feta cheese, all tied together with a bright and simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), and honey (natural). This easy-to-prepare salad offers a nutritious, colorful, and customizable dish perfect for light meals or as a stunning side.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed spring greens (baby spinach, arugula, butter lettuce)
- 6 crisp radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley and mint), chopped
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
- 1/3 cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Wash the mixed spring greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Dry them gently using a salad spinner or clean towels to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Slice Fresh Vegetables: Thinly slice the radishes and cucumber for a crisp texture. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices without overpowering the salad.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the dried greens, radishes, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss gently to mix colors and textures evenly.
- Add Creamy and Crunchy Elements: Cube the avocado and sprinkle it along with toasted nuts or seeds into the bowl. Crumble the plant-based feta cheese on top for a tangy contrast.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), honey (natural), salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss carefully to coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate greens.
Notes
- Use vegetables and herbs at their peak freshness for best flavor and texture.
- Ensure greens are completely dry before dressing to avoid sogginess.
- Balance tangy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements for a dynamic taste experience.
- Add dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Keep salad ingredients chilled before assembly to preserve vibrancy and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spring salad, fresh salad, plant-based salad, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten free salad, vibrant salad
