Description
A fresh and vibrant mixed greens salad featuring crunchy pepitas, creamy avocado, and a tangy homemade Dijon honey vinaigrette. This quick 15-minute recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a healthy side dish for dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted pepitas
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients—olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper—in a jar with a lid. Shake vigorously until well emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to use, shaking again before adding to the salad.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens. Toss gently with about half of the prepared dressing to coat the greens evenly without wilting them.
- Add Salad Toppings: Layer the thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, diced avocado, and roasted pepitas over the dressed greens.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together, ensuring all components are lightly coated without damaging delicate ingredients like avocado.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese by grating a block of Parmesan over the salad with a vegetable peeler or grater.
- Serve Promptly: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and bright flavors. Avoid adding dressing too far in advance to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Notes
- Only dress the portion of salad you intend to eat immediately to keep the greens fresh and crisp.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust honey quantity in the dressing according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use fresh, ripe avocado for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Roasted pepitas add a pleasant crunch and a nutty flavor; you can substitute with toasted nuts or seeds if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
