If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh, and easy-to-make salad that livens up any meal or stands perfectly on its own, let me introduce you to the Everyday Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe. This dish is a delightful harmony of crisp greens, crunchy toasted nuts, and a zesty, tangy dressing that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels healthy but never boring, making it a go-to whenever you want something quick, nourishing, and absolutely scrumptious on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients that each add a unique touch — the greens bring vibrancy, the cucumber adds refreshing crunch, and the toasted nuts provide a satisfying richness. The dressing, with its bright lemon and Dijon mustard combo, ties everything together beautifully.
- 5 ounces spring greens mix: A colorful, tender base full of vitamins and texture.
- Half of an English cucumber, very thinly sliced: Adds a cool, crisp bite that complements the greens perfectly.
- Half of a medium red onion, very thinly sliced: Offers a mild pungency and a lovely pop of color.
- 1/2 cup pepitas or toasted pine nuts: Bring crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the salad.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The rich, smooth base for the dressing, giving it body and silkiness.
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice: Delivers a bright, fresh acidity that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds gentle heat and a touch of complexity to the dressing.
- 1 small clove garlic, pressed or minced: Infuses the dressing with a subtle garlicky depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper: Gives just a hint of spice to balance the dressing.
How to Make Everyday Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Dressing
Start by combining the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything until the dressing is smooth and slightly thickened, ensuring that the mustard fully integrates to create a tangy, balanced sauce. If you prefer, you can put all these ingredients into a mason jar and shake vigorously for an effortless blend.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large salad bowl and toss in your fresh spring greens, the thinly sliced English cucumber, and red onion. Pour the freshly made lemon-Dijon dressing over the greens, making sure to coat every leaf and slice evenly. Then, scatter the toasted nuts on top to add crunch and a toasty aroma. Give everything a gentle toss so that the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures and vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Everyday Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. Adding a few shavings of Parmesan or crumbled feta can introduce creamy saltiness that works wonderfully with the lemon-Dijon dressing and nuts.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic light lunch or dinner. It also complements heartier dishes like roasted vegetables or grain bowls, offering a refreshing contrast to warm and savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad ingredients on top for a portable, grab-and-go lunch. For dinner parties, plate the salad over a bed of quinoa or couscous to make it more substantial, or present it elegantly in large wooden bowls for a rustic yet chic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separately to prevent the greens from getting soggy, and toss just before serving.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to its fresh ingredients and crisp texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. The lemon-Dijon dressing can be made ahead and frozen in an ice cube tray, then thawed when needed for convenience.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, prepare only the amount you plan to eat and enjoy it chilled to savor its crisp, lively flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts or seeds in this salad?
Absolutely! Pepitas and pine nuts are great, but you can substitute with toasted almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or even cashews for different textures and flavors.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly as long as you avoid adding any cheese toppings. The dressing ingredients are plant-based and full of flavor.
How long does the lemon-Dijon dressing keep in the fridge?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to one week. Be sure to shake or whisk it well before each use as the ingredients may separate.
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a picnic or lunch?
Yes, prep the veggies and greens ahead and keep them separate from the dressing and nuts. Combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Try adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or avocado slices to boost protein and make the salad a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Everyday Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s light but satisfying, refreshing yet rich in flavor, and incredibly simple to whip up anytime. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy a burst of sunshine on your plate that’s perfect for every day.
Print
Everyday Salad with Lemon-Dijon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 small servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and simple Everyday Salad featuring a vibrant mix of spring greens, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, tossed with a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing and crunchy pepitas or pine nuts. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish to any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 ounces spring greens mix (or any salad greens you prefer)
- Half of an English cucumber, very thinly sliced
- Half of a medium red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pepitas or toasted pine nuts (or any other nuts or seeds you prefer)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small clove garlic, pressed or finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a bowl, or alternatively, shake them together in a mason jar until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the spring greens, thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and pepitas or toasted pine nuts.
- Toss and serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance if needed.
- Feel free to swap the nuts or seeds for your favorites, such as sunflower seeds, walnuts, or almonds.
- For a vegan version, ensure your Dijon mustard does not contain honey.
- If preferred, lemon juice can be substituted with red wine vinegar for a different acidity profile.
- Add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
