Simple Spring Mix Salad Recipes to Try

Looking for an easy spring mix salad recipe? You’ve come to the right place. Throw seasonal ingredients together and voila! Lunch or dinner is served, and it never felt easier.

What is a Spring Mix Salad?

A spring mix salad makes the perfect light lunch, or simple side to accompany pastas, burgers, and heavy entrées. Spring mix salads contain different greens depending on brand. Head to the local produce aisle and shop pre-packaged blends, where you’ll generally find a variety of:

• Arugula
• Endives
• Romaine Lettuce 
• Spinach 
• Swiss Chard
• Radicchio

Crisp is delicious, but sometimes spring mix salad looks less-than-fresh. Combinations can taste bitter, so pick out any bad greens from the bunch and balance what you have with bright flavors. Don’t be afraid of additional seasoning.

Spring Mix Salad Recipe Ingredients

A spring mix salad celebrates customizable ingredients. When warm weather comes, strive for simplicity. Lean into your own veggie and spice supply to create the best blend. Beautiful and flavor-packed, this salad makes a delicious staple. Consider these suggestions:

• Avocado – check for ripeness, then mash and salt. 
• Radish – slice up for extra texture.
• Spring mix salad greens – find a fresh bag at your local grocery store.
• Carrot – an easy way to strengthen bones with vitamin A and beta–carotene.
• Cheese – try goat cheese, mini mozzarella balls, feta, or parmesan.
• Chives – cut and sprinkle over the final product.  
• Chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
• Cucumber – never say no to more crunch.
• Dried/fresh fruit – apples, cranberries, cherries.
• Seeds – sunflower, pumpkin, chia.
• Heirloom Tomatoes – juicy and vibrant in flavor and color. 
• Fresh Herbs or Spices – basil, cilantro, garlic, dill, parsley, thyme.   
• Protein – sliced chicken breast, tofu, shrimp, crabcake, turkey, prosciutto.

Ingredients should be easy to eat. Think about color, size, and consistency. Complement your needs and preferences with seasonal ingredients. If you’re vegan, swap the regular cheese for a vegan friendly version, or skip it all together. Add a pop of pink with pickled red onions. Colorful fruits like strawberries and blueberries also make nice additions. Remember: everything’s optional!

How to Make a Spring Mix Salad

Once you decide on ingredients, it’s time to prep. Rinse and set aside spring mix salad greens. Grab a cutting board and chop any veggies or proteins. Then toss the ingredients together. All that’s left is to Spruce it up with some dressing!

Homemade Dressing Ideas

Save the best for last. Choose something light and airy! A spring mix won’t hold up to heavy dressings, so wait until right before plating. Lightly toss spring mix salad in balsamic vinaigrette, or keep things simple with EVOO and a dash of salt and black pepper.

Citrus creates delicious flavors for any spring mix salad. Combine orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, olive oil, black pepper like this easy recipe. Add orange zest for an extra punch. Fresh berries taste great added in, or slice up pears with gorgonzola cheese and blueberries. Feta is another great ingredient for elevating Mediterranean flare, along with roasted chickpeas and fresh mint. 

Choose your own adventure. You can never go wrong with a dash of maple syrup to sweeten flavors. Balsamic and red wine are two great vinegar staples. You can also use canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oils. Try rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and olive oil like this recipe on salads and rice dishes. Once dressed, it’s ready for a serving bowl.

Spring Mix Salad Variations

Salads don’t have to be boring! Gravitate toward items that please your palate. If red onion isn’t your favorite, try green onion instead. For a different kind of crunch, chop red or green peppers. Follow a better nutrition plan without losing rich, delicious flavors.

Get creative! Lean into different cultures. For a Mexican take, mix in crushed tortilla chips with corn, jalapenos, cilantro, and rice. Finish with fresh lime juice. Feta cheese and Kalamata olives are essentials in a Greek spring mix salad. Turn your salad into a complete meal with powerful proteins and roasted vegetables.

Get Mixing!

Hungry yet? Try making your own version of a spring mix salad. Head to the Public Goods blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.