Every table needs this Simple Green Salad! Fresh spring greens drizzled with a maple balsamic dressing and sprinkled with whatever crunchies your salad-loving heart desires.
The BEST Homemade Dressing
Since we really cannot take any credit for the spring greens, they’re just doing their thing, let’s talk about this dressing. It’s got all the elements you need to really make it feel special even though it could not be easier and it’s just a few jar-shakes away from being yours all day every day. Deep rich balsamic, a hint of maple sweetness, a subtle little garlic bite. Just get everything together in a jar and then that magnificence is going to be at the ready for you in your fridge all week long.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- maple syrup
- garlic powder
- salt + pepp
That’s it, frands! Dressing dreams are yours!
How To Make This Green Salad (It’s Simple!)
You don’t really need a step-by-step here because it really only entails shaking up the dressing and plopping handfuls of greens into a bowl for gentle tossing, but there it is. Dressing ingredient jar-shake, greens plop, donezo. And then after that it’s really only the greens plop step since that dressing is already waiting in the fridge for you.
- Shake dressing ingredients in a jar.
- Plop your greens in a bowl for tossing.
- Donezo.
Wrote it out anyway, just in case you didn’t believe us.
The real beauty of this easy wonder is that it can go with anything! It’s so good with soup or as a side with a pasta dish, something bright and green to go with a casserole or seriously, it’s been brunch-fare around here and it has been WONDERFUL. It’s so fast to bring together that even if you think of it at the very last second, you can still get it out on the table in under a minute for a nice little green boost to any meal. You better believe our fridge has been steadily stocked with spring greens and dressing swirls for just such a last-second occasion.
Dress It Up If You Like
It’s been a meal plan staple around here just as is, but it is ready for any of your salad-making artistry. You can make it as hearty as you like by adding some goat cheese or any other you like, maybe a few nuts or seeds. Maybe a little dried fruit in there or a pile of extra veg if you’re chopping. Did someone mention big hunky croutons? Yep, that was us and they would definitely be great.
Get some grilled chicken going on that and you have yourself a whole meal outta this guy. But then just please make sure you stock up on some more spring greens so you can keep popping those on the side at every meal this week and feel like a darn fancy champ with this tangy, barely sweet stunner.
Ugh, it’s just so great with all the things. What is that Tina Turner song? “YOU’RE SIMPLY THE BEST!….The salad that’s lightly dressed….”
Not sure if those lyrics are right but…they feel right.
Simple Green Salad: FAQs
How long does the dressing stay good for?
Dressing keeps well in the fridge for a week or more!
What should I serve with this salad?
This goes well with literally everything: soups, pastas, casseroles, brunch – I’ve done it all. This is a weekly staple for us.
When should I toss the salad with the dressing?
The greens will start to soften a bit when the dressing hits, so be sure to toss just before serving for optimal salad texture.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Mini Mango Cheesecakes, here are some related recipes to try:
Chicken and Avocado Enchiladas in Creamy Avocado Sauce
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
the Ultimate Apple Cake Recipe!
This fresh and easy salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
As a Side Dish
- With Soups – A perfect light companion to hearty soups like Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Butternut Squash Soup, or Chicken Noodle Soup.
- In the Pasta – Complements rich pasta dishes such as Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Spaghetti Carbonara, or Pesto Tortellini.
- With Casseroles – Balances out comfort food favorites like Chicken and Rice Casserole, Lasagna, or Shepherd’s Pie.
- With Brunch – A fresh contrast to brunch classics like Quiche, Frittatas, or Avocado Toast.
As a Main Course Salad
- Topped with Protein – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu to turn it into a satisfying meal.
- With Extras – Sprinkle in nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or crumbled cheese (goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese) for added texture and flavor.
- With Crunchy Additions – Add homemade croutons, crispy chickpeas, or toasted almonds for an extra crunch.
Meal Prep & Entertaining
- Make-Ahead Lunch – Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving for a quick and fresh work lunch.
- Dinner Party Starter – Serve as an elegant first course before a main dish like Herb-Crusted Salmon or Garlic Butter Steak.
- Holiday Side Dish – A light and refreshing addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.