There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simple act of preparing a fresh salad, especially when the ingredients are as vibrant and crisp as the greens themselves. As I stand over the kitchen counter, slicing through a crunchy cucumber and tossing in the rich, earthy spinach, I can already imagine the blend of flavors that are about to come together. The greens, with their vibrant green hues, seem to promise nourishment, and the creamy honey mustard dressing adds a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s a dish that feels light but never lacks in flavor a perfect balance of freshness and heartiness.
This Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months when fresh vegetables are at their peak. What I love most about it is how easy it is to prepare, yet how satisfying it is to eat. The dressing, made from scratch, is creamy with a hint of sweetness from the honey and a bit of sharpness from the mustard. It coats the greens beautifully, turning what could be a simple salad into a delicious, crave-worthy dish. It’s the kind of salad that’s perfect on its own for a light lunch, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side to any main course.
Whether I’m serving it for a casual dinner with friends or preparing it for myself after a long day, this salad never disappoints. It’s a simple recipe that tastes like a special treat. And best of all, it’s a reminder that eating healthy doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor. This salad is a celebration of fresh, clean ingredients that taste as good as they make you feel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Packed with Nutrients: The combination of spinach, arugula, and other veggies makes this salad a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
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Quick and Easy: You can whip up this salad in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something light yet filling.
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Creamy Dressing: The homemade honey mustard dressing is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
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Customizable: Add extra toppings like nuts, seeds, or even grilled chicken to make it heartier.
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Perfect for Any Meal: This salad can be a main dish for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish for dinner.
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Vibrant and Fresh: The bright green veggies and colorful toppings make it visually appealing and fun to eat.
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Meal Prep Friendly: It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be stored for a few days without losing its crunch.
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Diet-Friendly: With simple, wholesome ingredients, this salad fits well into most diets, whether you’re looking for low calorie, gluten-free, or vegetarian options.
Ingredients
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For the Salad:
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4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
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2 cups arugula, washed and dried
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1/2 cucumber, sliced
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup shredded carrots
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1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon sunflower seeds (optional, for added crunch)
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Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
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For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1-2 tablespoons water
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Preparation or Marination
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Prepare the Greens: Start by washing and drying your spinach and arugula. This step is crucial to ensure that the greens stay crisp and fresh once dressed. A salad spinner works best for drying greens, but a clean kitchen towel also does the job.
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Chop the Vegetables: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion and radishes. For the carrots, you can either shred them with a grater or cut them into small matchsticks, depending on your preference.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for a tangy kick.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and shredded carrots. Toss everything gently to mix the ingredients.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the creamy honey mustard dressing over the salad. Be sure to toss the salad thoroughly, ensuring that every leaf and vegetable is coated in the dressing.
Instructions
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Wash and Dry the Greens: Start by washing your spinach and arugula. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry them thoroughly. This step keeps the salad crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
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Prepare the Veggies: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and radishes. Grate or julienne the carrots.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed to thin it out. Taste for sweetness or tanginess and adjust as necessary.
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Toss the Greens Together: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, and shredded carrots.
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Add the Dressing: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Start with a little and add more as needed, ensuring everything is well-coated.
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Toss Gently: Use tongs or salad spoons to toss the salad gently, making sure the dressing covers every piece of vegetable. The greens should remain light and fresh, not soggy.
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Garnish the Salad: If you like, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for an extra crunch. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, also make a nice garnish.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately while the greens are crisp. It’s light, refreshing, and ready to eat.
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Adjust to Taste: After tossing, taste the salad and adjust seasoning. You can add more honey for sweetness, mustard for tang, or a little salt for balance.
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Pair with Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas on top of the salad.
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Chill Before Serving Optional: If you prefer a chilled salad, place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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Enjoy: Take a bite and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing.
Recipe Time and Details
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 0 minutes no cooking required
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Courses: Salad, Side Dish
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Cuisines: American, Healthy
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Calories: 150 per serving varies with toppings
Flavor and Texture Tips
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Perfect Dressing Balance: If the dressing is too tangy, add more honey to balance the flavors. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or extra vinegar can help achieve the right consistency.
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Keep It Crisp: To avoid wilting greens, dress the salad just before serving. If you’re preparing it in advance, keep the dressing on the side and add it right before eating.
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Crunch Factor: Add seeds or nuts, like pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds, for extra texture.
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Adjust the Greens: If you prefer more robust greens, try adding kale or mixed greens. Just remember that heartier greens may need to be massaged with the dressing to soften them up.
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Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the dressing or seasoning as you mix everything. You want to make sure it’s exactly how you like it.
Serving Ideas
This Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with:
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Grilled Chicken or Salmon: Add some protein to turn it into a full meal.
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Quinoa or Brown Rice: Serve alongside a grain for added texture and nutrients.
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Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a fresh fruit bowl or slices of apple, pear, or citrus for an extra burst of sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the greens and dressing separately in airtight containers. The greens will stay crisp for a day or two if stored properly. The dressing can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, so you can easily make extra for future salads.
Recipe Notes
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Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing and skip any non-vegan toppings like cheese or chicken.
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Substitute Dressing Ingredients: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, regular mustard will work fine. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar.
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Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas. They’ll complement the fresh flavors and make it a more substantial meal.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use other greens besides spinach and arugula?
Absolutely! Feel free to use kale, romaine, or any leafy green of your choice.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store the greens and dressing separately for 1-2 days. Once dressed, the salad may begin to wilt.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing as much as I do. It’s a light, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or as a side for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or greens and make it your own. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the creamy dressing that brings it all together.
Healthy Green Salad With Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and Dry the Greens: Start by washing your spinach and arugula. Use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry them thoroughly. This step keeps the salad crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
- Prepare the Veggies: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and radishes. Grate or julienne the carrots.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add water as needed to thin it out. Taste for sweetness or tanginess and adjust as necessary.
- Toss the Greens Together: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, and shredded carrots.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Start with a little and add more as needed, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Toss Gently: Use tongs or salad spoons to toss the salad gently, making sure the dressing covers every piece of vegetable. The greens should remain light and fresh, not soggy.
- Garnish the Salad: If you like, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for an extra crunch. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, also make a nice garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately while the greens are crisp. It’s light, refreshing, and ready to eat.
- Adjust to Taste: After tossing, taste the salad and adjust seasoning. You can add more honey for sweetness, mustard for tang, or a little salt for balance.
- Pair with Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas on top of the salad.
- Chill Before Serving (Optional): If you prefer a chilled salad, place it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy: Take a bite and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing.
Notes
- Vegan Option: To make this salad vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing and skip any non-vegan toppings like cheese or chicken.
- Substitute Dressing Ingredients: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, regular mustard will work fine. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like agave nectar or coconut sugar.
- Add Protein: To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas. They’ll complement the fresh flavors and make it a more substantial meal.