If you are searching for a vibrant, fresh, and delightfully tangy salad to brighten any meal, look no further than this Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe. It perfectly balances peppery greens, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that will have your taste buds singing. This salad is not only a feast for your palate but also a colorful and nutritious addition to your table that you can whip up in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making every bite truly special. Let’s take a look at what you need to bring this dish to life.
- 5 ounces Spring Mix Salad: A vibrant blend of tender, peppery greens that form the fresh foundation of this salad.
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle bite and a splash of purple color; soaking them helps tame their sharpness.
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and sweet acidity, they brighten every forkful.
- 1/2 cup crumbly feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty richness that perfectly complements the greens and nuts.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and a toasty flavor that balances the salad beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: The silky base of the dressing that ties all ingredients together with a fruity note.
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar: Provides a sharp, tangy kick that wakes up the salad’s flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the vinaigrette a smooth texture and an extra layer of depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and peppery finish to the dressing.
How to Make Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Red Onion
First, if your red onion slices smell too strong or bring tears to your eyes, no worries! Soak these thin slices in cold water with ice cubes for about 5 minutes to mellow their sharpness. This simple trick makes their flavor smoother and more pleasant in the final salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the crisp Spring Mix salad greens, the softened sliced onions, and juicy halved cherry tomatoes. Add half of the crumbly feta cheese and walnuts at this stage to allow their flavors to gently meld with the greens.
Step 3: Whisk the Red Wine Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, pour the extra virgin olive oil, add the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until your dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly, creating a luscious and tangy vinaigrette that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette generously over the salad mixture and toss everything together to ensure each leaf and ingredient is beautifully coated with that delicious dressing.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Transfer your dressed salad to a serving bowl and artfully sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and walnuts over the top. This adds both visual appeal and a delightful texture contrast with every bite.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
For the best flavors and freshest textures, serve your Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe right away. It’s a fantastic way to elevate lunch or dinner without any fuss.
How to Serve Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil on top to add an extra splash of color and aromatic freshness. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a few dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds, which pair beautifully with the walnuts and feta.
Side Dishes
This salad is an excellent companion to grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty vegetable quiche. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures contrast well with warm, savory mains and add a healthy balance to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass bowls for a fancy presentation or layer it in a jar for a portable lunch option. Another fun idea is to fill crisp endive leaves with small scoops of the salad for bite-sized appetizers at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any salad left over, keep the salad and dressing separate if possible. Store the greens with tomatoes, feta, and walnuts in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the vinaigrette in a small jar. Combine them just before serving to avoid soggy leaves.
Freezing
This Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of lettuce, tomatoes, and nuts will degrade, and the dressing will separate upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. To enjoy any leftovers, simply remix with fresh dressing and enjoy cold for a refreshing repeat meal.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and will add their own unique crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is there a way to make the dressing creamier?
Yes, you can whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a richer and creamier vinaigrette without losing the tangy zest.
Can I prepare this salad vegan?
To make the Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe vegan, simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it altogether.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
If stored properly without dressing, the salad can stay fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed the same day for optimum crispness.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs are fantastic additions that make this salad a complete and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of delightful textures that make every bite memorable. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—whether as a quick lunch, a side dish, or a stunning starter, it’s sure to become one of your favorites!
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Spring Mix Salad with Feta, Walnuts, and Red Wine Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Spring Mix Salad featuring crisp greens, tangy feta, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, it’s quick to prepare with wholesome ingredients that celebrate simple, healthy flavors.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 ounces Spring Mix Salad
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbly feta cheese
- 1/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Soak Onion: If the red onion slices have a strong smell or cause tearing while cutting, soak them in cold water with a few ice cubes for 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly before using to reduce pungency.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the spring mix greens, soaked and drained red onion slices, halved cherry tomatoes, half the feta cheese, and half the walnuts. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to ensure all leaves and veggies are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish: Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and chopped walnuts on top for added texture and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures along with the tangy dressing.
Notes
- Soaking the red onions reduces their sharpness and makes them milder in flavor.
- Use fresh walnuts and feta for best texture and taste.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crispness of the greens.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
