Fresh, Tangy & Addictive Salad

This isn't my "cup of tea"... but if I have to be on this heart healthy diet, may as well have a glass of white wine to go with this

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale, or your favorite blend)

1 large cucumber , thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper , diced

1 small red onion , finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved

½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a creamier touch) 

½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

¼ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a lighter tang)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Dijon mustard

Honey (or maple syrup)

A pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper

Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust.

Need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar.

Want it sweeter? A bit more honey works wonders.

Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine:

Mixed greens

Sliced cucumber

Diced red bell pepper

Chopped red onion

Halved cherry tomatoes

Toss gently to mix.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle over:

Crumbled feta or goat cheese

Toasted almonds or walnuts

Dried cranberries or cherries

These ingredients bring richness, crunch, and balance — turning a simple salad into a satisfying meal.

Step 4: Dress & Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Toss gently to coat the greens evenly — you don’t want to crush the tomatoes or bruise the greens.

Home Recipes Fresh, Tangy & Addictive Salad

Fresh, Tangy & Addictive Salad

A vibrant, flavor-packed salad that’s crisp, creamy, and perfectly balanced — this easy-to-make dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With crisp veggies, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tangy homemade dressing, it’s anything but boring.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale, or your favorite blend)

1 large cucumber , thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper , diced

1 small red onion , finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved

½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a creamier touch)

½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)

¼ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar for a lighter tang)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste

🥄 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

Dijon mustard

Honey (or maple syrup)

A pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper

Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust:

Need more tang? Add a splash more vinegar.

Want it sweeter? A bit more honey works wonders.

Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine:

Mixed greens

Sliced cucumber

Diced red bell pepper

Chopped red onion

Halved cherry tomatoes

Toss gently to mix.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle over:

Crumbled feta or goat cheese

Toasted almonds or walnuts

Dried cranberries or cherries

These ingredients bring richness, crunch, and balance — turning a simple salad into a satisfying meal.

Step 4: Dress & Serve

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Toss gently to coat the greens evenly — you don’t want to crush the tomatoes or bruise the greens.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Results

✅ Meal Prep Friendly:

Store dressing separately in a small jar. Keep dry ingredients together and add cheese, nuts, and fruit just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

✅ Make It Heartier:

Add any of the following for extra protein and fullness:

Grilled chicken or salmon

Cooked quinoa or farro

Chickpeas or white beans

Sliced avocado

✅ Seasonal Swaps:

Spring/Summer: Swap dried fruit for fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches.

Fall/Winter: Use pomegranate seeds, sliced apples, or roasted squash.

✅ Nut-Free?

Skip the nuts and add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Light lunch: Serve as-is with a slice of warm crusty bread.

Dinner upgrade: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Potluck perfect: Doubles easily and travels well (dressing on the side).

Final Thoughts

This Fresh, Tangy & Addictive Salad is more than just a side dish — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re feeding yourself, your family, or guests, it’s guaranteed to impress.