Description
A fresh, colorful, and nourishing salad combining crisp mixed greens, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, tossed with a zesty apple cider vinegar dressing and toasted almonds. This vibrant spring salad is easy to make, nutrient-packed, and perfect for light lunches or side dishes that celebrate the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (for creamy dressings or texture boost)
- Grilled shrimp or 1/2 cup chickpeas (for protein boost)
- Sliced strawberries or orange segments (for fruit twist)
- Chili flakes or jalapeño (for spicy kick)
- Pumpkin seeds (nut-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens to keep the salad crisp. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Slice the Vegetables: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely slice the red onion to create a variety of textures.
- Cube the Avocado: Peel and cube the ripe avocado carefully to keep the pieces intact for a creamy texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy dressing.
- Toss and Combine: In a large bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado cubes, and toasted almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal greens for the best texture and flavor.
- Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust the dressing acidity or sweetness with extra apple cider vinegar (natural) or a touch of honey (natural) to taste.
- Lightly toast almonds to enhance their nuttiness and crunch.
- Add fresh parsley or basil just before serving to preserve aroma and flavor.
- Store avocado and dressing separately from salad components to maintain freshness if preparing ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spring salad,avocado salad,healthy salad,zesty dressing,plant-based,gluten free,fresh greens
