Spring Mix Salad With Balsamic Honey Dressing Recipe

There's something undeniably refreshing about a big bowl of crisp, colorful greens, especially when they're tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. This Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Honey Dressing brings a burst of flavor to the table with every bite — light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect balance of earthiness, brightness, and a touch of sweetness.

I first fell in love with this salad during a family picnic in early spring. With the sun peeking through the trees and birds chirping overhead, we passed around bowls of this salad, and everyone raved about the dressing. Since then, it’s become a staple at our house, gracing everything from casual lunches to dinner parties.

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful salad that comes together in minutes, this one hits all the right notes. Let’s dive into what makes it so special.

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

This salad isn't just a side dish – it can easily hold its own as a light lunch or add brightness to any dinner spread. Here are a few reasons it’ll quickly become a go-to in your rotation.

First off, it’s fast and fuss-free. The entire dish, including the homemade dressing, can be prepped in under 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or when unexpected guests show up.

The flavor combo is unbeatable. The peppery greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers paired with the sweet and tangy balsamic honey dressing create a vibrant mix that dances on your palate.

It’s good for you without feeling like "health food." Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious.

You can make it your own with ease. Add some grilled chicken, a sprinkle of goat cheese, or a handful of toasted nuts, and you’ve got a heartier meal. It adapts to what you have on hand and what you're in the mood for.

Whether you’re serving this alongside grilled meats or enjoying it as a stand-alone dish, it always brings a pop of freshness to the table.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Spring Mix Salad lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something special to the bowl. Let's break down the key players.

Spring mix is the heart of the salad. It usually includes baby lettuces, spinach, arugula, and other tender greens. The mix of textures and flavors – from mild to peppery – creates the perfect base for a variety of toppings and dressings.

Cherry tomatoes add bright bursts of sweetness and acidity. Their juicy bite contrasts beautifully with the soft greens, and they look stunning when halved and scattered throughout the bowl.

Cucumbers bring a crisp crunch that keeps every bite interesting. I prefer using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, but regular cucumbers work just fine too.

Red onions lend a bit of sharpness and color. If you find raw onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad to mellow out the flavor.

Now, onto the star: the balsamic honey dressing. Made with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, this dressing is both sweet and tangy, with a silky texture that clings beautifully to the greens.

No special equipment needed here – just a mason jar or small bowl and whisk to bring the dressing together.

How To Make This Spring Mix Salad With Balsamic Honey Dressing

Making this salad is incredibly straightforward, and the payoff is so worth it. Here's how to pull it all together.

Start by preparing your vegetables. Rinse and dry the spring mix thoroughly – a salad spinner works great here, but paper towels will do the job too. Slice your cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, and set everything aside.

Next, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, combine ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in ⅓ cup olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and glossy.

In a large serving bowl, add your spring mix and scatter the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion over the top. If you're adding extras like nuts, cheese, or protein, now's the time to toss those in too.

Pour about half the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Add more dressing as needed, but go slow – it's easy to overdress, and the greens can get soggy quickly.

Serve immediately once dressed, while the vegetables are at their freshest and the dressing is still vibrant. The total time from start to finish is under 15 minutes, making this one of the easiest, most rewarding salads you can whip up.

Storage Options

This salad is best served fresh, right after tossing with the dressing. The greens tend to wilt quickly, so if you're prepping ahead, store the components separately.

Keep the chopped vegetables and undressed greens in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate.

If you happen to have leftovers that are already dressed, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though the greens will be softer. It's still delicious, but more suitable as a topping for grain bowls or wraps the next day.

To re-crisp slightly wilted greens, try placing them in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This Spring Mix Salad is endlessly customizable, which makes it perfect for using up whatever's in your fridge or catering to different preferences.

For a creamy twist, add crumbled goat cheese or feta. The salty, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dressing.

If you want to bulk it up into a full meal, try topping it with grilled chicken, salmon, or even chickpeas. Protein turns this simple salad into a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Nuts and seeds are another great addition. Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add crunch and a boost of healthy fats.

Swap the balsamic for apple cider vinegar if you're out – it gives the dressing a brighter, more fruity flavor. You can also adjust the honey and mustard to taste, depending on how sweet or tangy you like it.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try tossing in fresh strawberries, avocado slices, or roasted beets for a seasonal spin. The beauty of this salad is how well it plays with others – so go ahead and make it yours!

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