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Healthy Green Salad With Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Healthy Green Salad With Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

This Healthy Green Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing is a simple, refreshing dish that combines fresh greens, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect light meal or side dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
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Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings:4
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups fresh spinach washed and dried
  • 2 cups arugula washed and dried
  • 1/2 cucumber sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup radishes thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds optional, for added crunch
  • Fresh herbs for garnish optional
  • For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for a vegan option
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons water to thin the dressing, if needed

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Toss the Greens Together: In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, arugula, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, and shredded carrots.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately while the greens are crisp. It’s light, refreshing, and ready to eat.
  9. 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.
  10. Pair with Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas on top of the salad.
  11. Chill Before Serving (Optional): If you prefer a chilled salad, place it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  12. 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.