10 Minute Simple Spring Mix Salad

Packed with vibrant greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet dried cherries, this Simple Spring Mix Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. And the homemade maple balsamic dressing, made with just a few simple ingredients, is the perfect finishing touch!

Get ready to elevate your salad game with this simple spring mix salad recipe! The combination of sweet and tart balsamic vinegar, rich and smooth olive oil, and just a touch of maple syrup creates a dressing that perfectly complements the fresh veggies in this salad. The addition of tangy goat cheese and crunchy sunflower seeds provides a great texture contrast which makes this salad have it all.

Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready in just 10 minutes.

Even if you’re not an experienced home chef, you can easily make this salad with confidence. Simply toss together the greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, dried cherries, and sunflower seeds, then drizzle on the homemade dressing and sprinkle on some crumbled goat cheese. This salad is versatile, delicious, and perfect for any occasion!

If you enjoy this salad, be sure to try out other greens recipes, including Spring Pasta Salad with Peas and Asparagus and Arugula, Avocado, and Apple Salad!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This simple spring mix salad is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors, from the tangy goat cheese to tart and sweet cherries.
• Homemade maple balsamic dressing is a game-changer, taking this salad to the next level with its perfect balance of flavor that coats the ingredients well.
• With just a few simple steps, this salad can be whipped up in 10 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients you’ll need

• Spring Mix – Provides a variety of greens, including spinach, arugula, and baby kale.
• Tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity to the salad.
• Cucumber – Provides a refreshing crunch and a cool flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the salad.
• Dried Cherries – Adds a chewy, sweet texture to the salad.
• Roasted Sunflower Seeds – Provides a nutty crunch and a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Crumbled Goat Cheese – Adds a tangy and creamy flavor throughout each bite.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a slight tang and a spicy kick while also acting as an emulsifier to help the oil and vinegar blend together.
• Pure Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of natural sweetness while also balancing out the acidity of the vinegar.
• Salt – Enhances the other flavors in the dressing while also helping to balance out the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Olive Oil – Provides a smooth and rich texture to the dressing that helps it coat the ingredients.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a touch of brightness and acidity and fresh citrus flavor.

How to make Spring Mix Salad

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop the vegetables.

Combine the ingredients: Add the greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, dried cherries, and sunflower seeds into a large bowl or platter.

Assemble the dressing: Add the dressing ingredients to a bowl. Whisk everything together until emulsified. Store the remaining dressing in the fridge for 1 week.

Dress the salad: Toss lightly with the desired amount of dressing, then top with crumbled goat cheese. Enjoy!

How to build an awesome salad

• Color – I try to have different colors going on so things pop and look appealing to the eye before you dig in.
• Texture – This is the most important thing to me. I want ALL the texture when it comes to salad. Crunchy, creamy, soft, you name it.
• Size – You want a salad to be fork-friendly, meaning ingredients should be cut about the same size and easy to eat without getting smashed all over your face.

While salads don’t require cooking with heat, it’s all the more important to use high-quality ingredients, including a high-quality salt that brings out all the flavors in the surrounding ingredients.

Another REALLY important part of a salad, is the dressing. Homemade salad dressing will change your life. I repeat. HOMEMADE SALAD DRESSING WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Recipe Tips

• When making the dressing, be sure to whisk everything together until emulsified, as this will help to create a smooth and creamy texture that coats the salad evenly. You can also use a blender or food processor to make the dressing.
• Add the goat cheese last so it doesn’t absorb the moisture from the vegetables and become soggy.
• To make this salad even more filling, Add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

Variations

• For a sweeter twist on this salad, try swapping out the dried cherries for fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, which will add a burst of sweetness to every bite.
• If you prefer a more savory flavor, add some sliced red onion or diced avocado to the salad, which will provide a creamy texture and a slightly spicy kick.
• Add in toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts in place of the sunflower seeds for a different type of nutty crunch.
• Substitute the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, or try using honey instead of maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage

Transfer the remaining salad to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To extend the life of your salad even further, you can also try storing the greens and toppings separately and then assemble the salad just before serving. This can help to prevent any moisture from the vegetables from making the greens wilt or become soggy. For best results, store the dressing separately.

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