Spring Green Tossed Salad

Name: Spring Green Tossed Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed spring greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Recipes

I absolutely love this Spring Green Tossed Salad! It’s my go-to recipe when I want something refreshing and full of vibrant flavors. The combination of leafy greens, fresh herbs, and a light dressing really makes this salad shine during the warmer months. In just a few minutes, you can whip this up as a side dish or a light meal. The best part? It’s versatile enough to incorporate whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand, so it’s never boring!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:54:27.635Z

When I first started experimenting with salads, I realized how a blend of fresh greens and herbs can create a fun and delicious dish. My Spring Green Tossed Salad came together one afternoon as I wandered through the market, inspired by the vibrant colors of spring. I decided to keep it simple with just a few high-quality ingredients—lettuce, herbs, and a zesty dressing—resulting in a salad that is not only quick but also bursting with flavor.

Over time, I have tried adding various nuts and seeds to give it a satisfying crunch or even some seasonal fruits for a sweet twist. If you want to elevate this dish, try roasting your veggies first for an added depth of flavor. It always surprises me how a few small changes can take an ordinary salad to the next level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, crisp greens that awaken the palate
Zesty dressing that compliments the vibrant flavors
Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches

Enhancing Freshness

The freshness of this salad hinges on the quality of your ingredients. When choosing mixed spring greens, look for vibrant colors and firm leaves—this ensures maximum crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix in other greens like arugula or spinach for a different flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to try adding seasonal veggies such as radishes or snap peas. Their additional crunch and natural sweetness can elevate the salad’s texture and taste.

Tomatoes are a key ingredient here; choose sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor in each bite. If you can find heirloom varieties, they can add a lovely range of colors and an even richer taste. To enhance the salad's overall appeal, consider roasting the tomatoes briefly to concentrate their flavor before adding them. This method caramelizes their sugars and adds a delightful contrast to the fresh greens.

Perfecting the Dressing

Homemade dressing makes all the difference in a salad, and this zesty lemon vinaigrette is quick to whip up. I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor. If you're in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but the taste won't be as vibrant. When whisking the dressing, make sure to emulsify it sufficiently until it looks glossy. This gives the vinaigrette a richer mouthfeel and helps it cling better to the salad ingredients.

If you're looking to adjust the flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, balsamic vinegar can be used in place of lemon juice for a more robust flavor. Whatever your choice, taste the dressing as you mix it to ensure it suits your palate—it should balance salty, acidic, and sweet notes for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for the salad:

Salad Ingredients

4 cups mixed spring greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all your ingredients together, you will be ready to assemble the salad.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:

Prepare the Greens

In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to mix.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Enjoy your refreshing Spring Green Tossed Salad!

Pro Tips

For a heartier salad, feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Also, using seasonal vegetables can elevate the freshness of this dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Spring Green Tossed Salad is highly versatile and can be served as a light meal or a delightful side dish. Pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost; the fresh flavors complement the savory dishes wonderfully. Alternatively, serve it alongside a hearty grain, like quinoa or farro, to create a more substantial meal. Adding cooked legumes like chickpeas or black beans can turn it into a satisfying vegetarian option.

Consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, to introduce a delightful crunch and healthy fats. A sprinkle of microgreens on top not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of freshness and nutrition. Customize it according to your seasonal ingredients and dietary preferences; that's the beauty of this adaptable recipe!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To save time on busy days, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance. Wash and chop the greens and vegetables, then store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This will keep them fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator. However, it's best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent sogginess.

If you've made too much salad, or if you're looking to enjoy leftovers, keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s crispness. When stored in an airtight container, the salad can last for about a day. If you choose to add feta cheese, be mindful that it may get salty, so consider adding it fresh to prevent it from altering the overall texture beyond a day’s storage.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

Simply omit the cheese and use a vegan-friendly dressing, ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

→ What other vegetables could I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for varied textures and flavors!