Fresh & Flavorful Mixed Greens Salad with Avocado & Lemon Vinaigrette 🌿
When you’re looking for something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Mixed Greens Salad with Avocado. Whether you need a refreshing lunch, a quick dinner, or a colorful side dish to accompany your main course, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Packed with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy cherry tomatoes, and tossed in a bright, tangy lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
And the best part? You can customize this salad to your preferences, adding your favorite proteins or extra toppings to make it even more filling. If you’re looking for a wholesome, healthy meal, this is it! It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients, quick to prepare, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Why This Salad Is the Perfect Choice for Any Day
This mixed greens salad is not only a delicious and refreshing option, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The combination of creamy avocado and crunchy veggies creates a satisfying texture that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite protein to create a more substantial meal. The tangy lemon vinaigrette brings everything together, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re on the go or at home looking for a quick, healthy meal, this salad checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this salad, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. The combination of simple ingredients is what makes this salad so vibrant and flavorful.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, lettuce) | 4 cups |
| Ripe avocado (sliced) | 1 |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Cucumber (sliced) | 1 |
| Red onion (thinly sliced, optional) | 1/4 |
| Crumbled feta cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Steps to Make Your Fresh & Flavorful Salad:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Veggies
The first step in creating this vibrant mixed greens salad is to prepare the vegetables. Start by washing and drying your mixed greens. Whether you’re using spinach, arugula, or any other salad blend, make sure the greens are free of dirt and excess water. A salad spinner is a great tool to help dry the leaves, so they don’t get soggy when tossed with the dressing.
Next, slice the avocado. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and then cut it into thin slices. You can also scoop out the flesh with a spoon if that’s easier for you. Be careful not to cut too thick or thin—aim for about 1/4-inch slices to make them easy to toss with the other ingredients.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half to release their juicy goodness. The small size of cherry tomatoes makes them perfect for salads, and they add such a beautiful pop of color.
For the cucumber, cut it into thin rounds. The cucumber will add crunch and a refreshing taste that perfectly balances out the creamy avocado.
If you’re including red onion, now is the time to slice it thinly. Red onions can be sharp, so be sure to use them sparingly. Thin slices are ideal because they won’t overpower the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
The dressing for this salad is a simple yet flavorful lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey (if you’re using it). Whisk together until the dressing is well-combined and smooth. The Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tang.
Once the dressing is mixed, season it with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend tasting it before adding extra salt and pepper, as the feta cheese (if using) will also add a bit of saltiness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Now it’s time to put everything together! In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as the base. Arrange the sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion (if using) on top of the greens. If you decided to add crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top for an added burst of flavor.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. You don’t need to add all of it right away—start with a little, toss, and then add more if you prefer. Gently toss the salad with your hands or tongs, making sure that each ingredient is lightly coated with the vinaigrette.
Once everything is well combined, the salad is ready to serve. You can enjoy it immediately as a refreshing lunch or side dish.
Optional Add-ins to Make It a Heartier Meal:
If you want to make this salad a more filling meal, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken is a perfect choice for this salad, as it complements the fresh flavors while adding a hearty element. You could also add shrimp, grilled salmon, or even a hard-boiled egg for extra protein. For a plant-based option, try adding chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.
For extra texture and crunch, sprinkle in some roasted nuts or seeds. Almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds all work well in this salad, giving it a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy avocado.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mixed Greens Salad with Avocado can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty main course like roasted chicken or salmon. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or as a refreshing dish on warm days.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens creates a salad that’s bursting with freshness.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this salad is a breeze to make.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or toppings to make it your own.
- Healthy: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this salad will nourish your body and leave you feeling satisfied.
Conclusion:
This Fresh & Flavorful Mixed Greens Salad with Avocado & Lemon Vinaigrette is perfect for anyone who wants a light, healthy, and delicious meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a satisfying side dish, or a main course with added protein, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this salad is a delicious way to embrace fresh seasonal produce!
Pro Tip: Make a big batch of the dressing and store it in the fridge. You’ll have it ready for your next salad or meal prep!