introduction
This bright, easy Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing is a weeknight favorite—crisp greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy nuts, and tangy-sweet dressing come together in minutes. The flavors are fresh, approachable, and perfectly Pinterest-ready for lunch or a quick side.
If you love bright, fresh salads, you might also enjoy this spring roll salad with spicy ginger dressing for another light, crunchy option.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing:
- Ready in under 10 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced flavors: sweet honey, tangy balsamic, salty feta.
- Flexible and family-friendly — easy to add protein or swap toppings.
- Great for meal prep: dressing keeps separately for freshness.
- Kid-friendly textures when you chop ingredients small.
Ingredients Needed :
Salad greens
- 6 cups spring mix greens
Veggies & toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- In a large bowl, combine the spring mix greens, cherry tomatoes, nuts, and feta cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or light lunch.
Serving Suggestions Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Add sliced avocado and a boiled egg to make it more filling.
- Pair with warm crusty bread or crostini for a light dinner.
- Offer extra nuts and feta at the table so guests can customize.
Tips for Success Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing
- Toast the nuts: 3–5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat deepens flavor and crunch.
- Whisk well: emulsify the dressing by whisking vinegar and honey first, then slowly add oil.
- Dress just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Taste as you go: adjust honey or vinegar to hit your preferred sweet-tang balance.
- Chop larger tomatoes or nuts to kid-friendly sizes if serving children.
variation (if any)
- Fruity twist: add 1/2 cup sliced strawberries or diced apple for sweetness.
- Cheese swap: replace feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Protein boost: toss in 1 cup cooked quinoa or 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegan option: omit feta and replace honey with 2 tbsp maple syrup.
FAQs
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store salad components separately. Greens with dressing mixed will stay best for 1 day; if undressed, the salad keeps 2–3 days refrigerated. Store dressing in a jar up to 1 week.
Q: Can I make the dressing in advance?
A: Yes—whisk and refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Shake or bring to room temperature and re-whisk before using.
Q: What nuts work best?
A: Walnuts and almonds are classic; pecans or pistachios are delicious alternatives. Toasting intensifies flavor.
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A: Keep dressing separate until right before serving and only toss the portion you plan to eat.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups spring mix greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds), roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the spring mix greens, cherry tomatoes, nuts, and feta cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or light lunch.
