Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Salad: A Burst of Flavor and Nutrition
Introduction
There’s nothing like a fresh salad to complement a meal or even stand alone as a light and nutritious option. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s as delightful to the palate as it is to the eyes: the Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Salad. This salad combines the earthy flavors of mixed greens with fresh herbs, crunchy almonds, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a summer lunch or as a side dish for your dinner parties.
Ingredients
- Mixed Greens: 6-8 cups
- Fresh Parsley: 3 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh Cilantro: 4 tablespoons, chopped
- Green Onions: ¼ cup, chopped
- Almonds: ⅓ cup, chopped (see notes for tips)
- Goat Cheese: ¼ cup, crumbled (optional for a vegan version)
- Avocado: 1 small, sliced
- Lemon Honey Vinaigrette: ⅓-½ cup (recipe link in notes)
Directions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: If you haven’t made your Lemon Honey Vinaigrette yet, now is the time to whip it up. It’s a simple mix that brings a bright, tangy flavor to the salad. Set it aside as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Chop and Mix: Start by finely chopping the almonds, parsley, and green onions. This will help blend the flavors throughout the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, chopped parsley, cilantro, green onions, almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. The variety of textures from the creamy to the crunchy adds a delightful contrast.
- Top with Avocado: Gently lay the avocado slices on top of the salad. Their creamy texture is a perfect complement to the crisp greens and herbs.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle ⅓ to ½ cup of the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette over the salad, adjusting the amount to suit your taste. Gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 293 kcal per 1.5 cups
- Servings: 4
Chef’s Notes
- Almonds: Chopping the almonds not only makes them easier to eat but also releases their oils, enhancing the salad’s flavor.
- Goat Cheese: For a vegan alternative, omit the goat cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese of your choice that crumbles well.
- Lemon Honey Vinaigrette: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s a simple mix of lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess according to your preference.
Conclusion
The Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Salad is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just looking for a quick and healthy meal, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the freshness of each bite and the satisfying crunch of the nuts paired with the creaminess of avocado and goat cheese. Bon appétit!
Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Garden Fresh Mixed Greens Salad encapsulates the essence of freshness with every bite. A harmonious blend of crispy mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, and buttery avocado slices makes this salad a standout dish. The addition of chopped almonds adds a delightful crunch, balancing the soft textures with a nutty depth.
The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients not only make this salad appealing to the eye but also to the palate. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a light yet fulfilling meal, perfect for a summer lunch or as a side at any gathering. Customize it with your favorite dressing or add more herbs to suit your taste. The simplicity and versatility of this salad make it a must-try for any salad lover.
Ingredients
6–8 cups mixed greens
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
4 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup green onions, chopped
⅓ cup almonds, chopped (see notes)
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (see notes)
1 small avocado, sliced
⅓–½ cup Lemon Honey Vinaigrette (see notes)
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette first, if not already made, and set aside.
Finely chop the almonds, parsley, and green onions.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, parsley, cilantro, green onions, chopped almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
Gently lay avocado slices on top of the salad.
Drizzle ⅓ to ½ cup of the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette over the salad, adjusting to taste. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 293 kcal