This spring mix salad is perfect for the cooler seasons and is one of my favorites to serve guests and family. Dress it up with chicken or salmon to make it a full meal!
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I took a poll. No one likes spring mix salad greens except those people who also claim to like kale. They like it because it’s probably good for them.
However, I have a theory. I think we don’t like spring mix because we keep trying to treat it like romaine lettuce. It’s not. Spring mix greens are an entirely different vegetable and play by unique rules.
This simple recipe plays by those flavor rules. It’s the recipe that turned me into one of those people who says they like spring mix greens. In fact, it’s our main salad during the cooler Fall and Winter months.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Fall Salad
The secret is balsamic vinaigrette dressing. It’s spring mix’s favorite dressing – for some reason, their flavors work perfectly together.
In order to make the most delicious, real food salad, I prefer blending a quick batch of this balsamic vinaigrette. Not only does it take just 4 extra minutes to make, but it keeps well in the fridge (so you only make it occasionally), and homemade dressing is (rough estimate) 1000% better than store-bought.
This balsamic vinaigrette salad features ingredients that are easy to find and afford in the cooler seasons – apples, nuts, cranberries, and maybe just a touch of goat cheese and turkey bacon.
When we did our Cheapskate Whole30, I used avocado instead of goat cheese. Since avocado loves balsamic vinegar so much, it worked perfectly in this salad.
Add shredded chicken (like this make-ahead version we keep on hand) or leftover salmon, and the salad becomes a meal!
Simple. Flavorful. Perfect.
BONUS TIP: Use baby spinach or a simple greens mix with this salad too (I took some of these photos using that)!
This Spring Mix Salad Recipe Is:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free (with avocado)
- Whole30 (with avocado)
- Paleo
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (with avocado)
- Keto-friendly
- Frugal!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo #cheapskatecook and @cheapskatecook on Instagram.
Spring Mix Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This spring mix salad is perfect for the cooler seasons and is one of my favorites to serve guests and family. Dress it up with chicken or salmon to make it a full meal!
Ingredients
- 4 cups spring mix salad greens
- 1 whole gala apple, diced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped pecans
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled, (or 1 diced avocado)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Optional:
- 1-2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 small cooked salmon fillets
- 2 slices turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Divide the spring mix evenly between 4 plates. Top each pile of greens with the rest of the ingredients as desired, adjusting amounts to taste.
Notes
- Try it with this simple Make-Ahead Chicken!
- I swear by this version of balsamic vinaigrette.
- This recipe needs something sweet. If you don't have apples, dried cranberries by themselves work nicely. I also recommend trying pears. In the Summer, strawberries are perfect.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 266Total Fat 21.1gSaturated Fat 7.4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 22mgSodium 327mgCarbohydrates 12.1gFiber 2.4gSugar 8.3gProtein 8.2g
Please note: The actual calories and nutrition of this dish will change depending on what ingredients you use. Nutrition information is not always accurate.
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More Cold-Weather Recipes:
- Apple Crisp
- Beef & Veggie Soup
- Githeri (Kenyan bean stew)
- White Bean Chili
- Picadillo (Mexican beef & potatoes)
What You Can Do Now:
What are some toppings you like to put on your spring mix salads?
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