Description
A fresh and vibrant mixed greens salad featuring crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and roasted pepitas, tossed in a tangy homemade Dijon and honey vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 medium ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted pepitas
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make Dressing: Add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper to a jar with a lid. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to use it, shaking again before dressing the salad.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, add all the mixed greens. Toss gently with about half the dressing until the greens are well coated. Then add the thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, diced avocado, and roasted pepitas.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad (or adjust amount to taste) and gently toss all the ingredients together to combine evenly without bruising the greens or avocado.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If desired, top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese using a vegetable peeler for thin ribbons. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest.
Notes
- Only dress the amount of salad you plan to eat immediately, as the greens and avocado do not hold up well when sitting in the dressing.
- The roasted pepitas add a nice crunch and salty bite, but you can substitute with toasted nuts or seeds of your choice.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust honey quantity or substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mixed greens salad, avocado salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, homemade salad dressing
