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Mixed Greens With Honey Mustard Dressing - A Bright, Everyday Salad

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Mixed greens (5–6 cups): Spring mix, baby spinach, baby kale, or a blend.
  • Crisp veggies (1–2 cups total): Sliced cucumber, thinly shaved carrot, radishes, or bell peppers.
  • Something juicy (1 cup): Cherry tomatoes or thin apple/pear slices.
  • Crunch (1/3 cup): Toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds.
  • Creamy add-in (optional, 1/4 cup): Crumbled feta or goat cheese, or diced avocado.
  • Protein (optional): Grilled chicken, chickpeas, boiled eggs, tofu, or salmon.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional but adds texture)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar or lemon juice)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the greens. Rinse and spin your mixed greens completely dry. Excess water waters down the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
  2. Toast the crunch. If using nuts or seeds, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let cool so they stay crisp.
  3. Chop the veggies. Slice cucumbers, shave carrots, and cut tomatoes. Keep pieces bite-sized so you get a little of everything in each forkful.
  4. Make the dressing base. In a bowl or jar, whisk together Dijon, whole-grain mustard, honey, vinegar, and garlic (if using) until smooth.
  5. Emulsify. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust: add honey for sweetness, vinegar for brightness, or mustard for more tang.
  6. Combine. In a large bowl, add greens, crisp veggies, and tomatoes. Drizzle with about half the dressing and toss gently with clean hands or tongs.
  7. Finish. Top with toasted nuts or seeds and any creamy add-ins. Add protein if using. Toss lightly again, adding more dressing as needed. Don’t overdress—you want a light, glossy coat.
  8. Serve. Grind a little black pepper on top and serve right away for the best texture.