Now that spring is here, I am in the mood for a tasty simple spring greens salad. I wanted to share a wonderful greens salad I made the other evening. There is a dressing recipe below, but I need to tell you that this also goes great with this homemade honey mustard salad dressing.
This Simple Greens Salad can be made with baby greens and you can even start with a bagged salad if you are short on time. This salad is best with a vinaigrette dressing , or a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
There are some pretty good store-bought dressings, but I prefer making my own, even though it takes a little longer. I also love that when you make your own salad dressing, you know exactly what is in the dressing. A lot of bottled salad dressings have added sugars and preservatives that I am not sure I need. Plus you can change up your dressing recipe to suit your preferences.
This salad is perfect for spring or summer and I make it often at our house.
For this version, I added dried cranberries, feta cheese and just a few candied pecans for some crunch. Candied pecans on a salad are like frosting on a cake. Well, almost.
Simple Spring Greens Salad
1 bag mixed salad greens – I used an organic mix of baby greens, arugula and chard
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 purple onion, sliced
1/4 coup Roma tomatoes, diced
3 tablespoons feta cheese
3 table spoons bacon crumbles (optional)
2 tablespoons candied pecans
Wash and drain greens. Place in a large mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients.
I love adding some crispy bacon bits.
Now it is ready for a little dressing. I linked to two of my dressings above, but you can make a quick olive oil and balsamic dressing or use a store-bought vinaigrette as well.
I think you will enjoy it!
This salad is always tasty and can be changed up by adding additional ingredients such as sliced mushrooms, sunflower seeds, avocado and radishes to name a few.
Time-saving Tip
Like I mentioned, you can use a store-bought springs salad mix and add these other ingredients, along with your homemade dressing to save you some time.
What is your favorite spring salad ingredient? Do you make your own salad dressing?
Tamara says
I have trouble with any salad dressings that AREN’T homemade. And yum to the bacon! I would probably substitute a different kind of cheese. I’ve never been able to do feta.
I LOVE a good old fashioned chef salad, but with a healthier twist. Mixed greens, broccoli, carrots, peppers, etc. and then cheese, a lean meat, bacon and EGGS! Oh, and cucumbers and/or pickles. Olives. Chickpeas!!
Raquel says
I love cucumbers and peppers too Tamara! Bacon pretty much makes everything taste better right?
debbiedoos says
I love salads with cranberries in them. Always a sweet surprise in every bite!
Akaleistar says
That looks yummy, and I’m not even a fan of salads 🙂
Simple Nature Decor says
I am a vegetarian… I’m always looking for fabulous Salad recipes!
This is a wonderful post! I would love if you would link these great recipes to my Party I am having for the next 5 days..
Here is the link: http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/whats-cooking-in-capri-italy-for-fabulous-friday/
Thanks Maria
http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com
Raquel says
Thanks for stopping by Maria! I will link up – I love parties 🙂
Simple Nature Decor says
So happy you linked up this post! Salads are my favorite food and I’m always trying different ones.. I just have to eliminate the meat and add the extra cheese.. Have a great weekend! Hope to see more salads recipes from you!
Thanks
Maria
Mary says
As a Pescatarian, I think people think I am a healthy eater…back when I was full Vegetarian, I called myself the ‘Junk Food Vegetarian” 😉 I am super picky with salads, but this looks like one I would love; mixed spring greens & feta cheese, I am there! Do you have a post for your dressings?
Raquel says
Thanks Mary! Yes, my dressings are linked in the post, or can be fournd in the Recipe File.
Julie Fiato says
Congrats! Your beautiful salad will be featured this Wednesday on Redhead’s Kitchen! Thank for linking up to Inspiration Monday Party, Raquel!
Raquel says
Thank you Julie! You made my day!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
I know you already saw the feature on my blog this morning, so I’m just stopping by to pin it and say thanks for sharing!
Liz Latham says
A classic salad is always a good and quick choice for any meal. Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
Raquel says
Thank you for hosting Liz!