Description

This Spring Salad recipe celebrates the freshness of early-season produce with vibrant flavors, crisp vegetables, and a light, natural dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or side dish, it combines fresh mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, plant-based proteins, and aromatic herbs to brighten your meals with wholesome goodness and seasonal vibrancy.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Greens

2 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 radishes, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

Herbs and Protein

2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mint and parsley), finely chopped
1 cup cooked chickpeas

Dressing

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., pectin or agar)
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the fresh vegetables: Wash all your greens and vegetables thoroughly. Thinly slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, julienne or thinly slice the carrots, and thinly slice the radishes. Handle the produce gently to maintain crispness.
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (natural), extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice (natural), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground pepper. Add the natural gelling agent and blend well to achieve a smooth texture that helps the dressing cling to the salad ingredients.
Combine ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens, prepared vegetables, and chickpeas. Add the finely chopped fresh herbs and pour the dressing over the salad. Toss lightly but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Final touches: Adjust seasoning to taste and let the salad rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the vegetables crisp.

Notes

Use the freshest produce possible for best flavor and texture.
Dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting of the greens.
Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure a balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
Add herbs at the end to preserve their delicate aroma and color.
Allow the salad to rest briefly after dressing for flavors to blend beautifully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No Cooking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7.8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: spring salad, fresh salad, mixed greens, healthy salad, plant-based protein, vegan salad, seasonal recipe, light salad