If you are craving a vibrant, fresh, and wonderfully crunchy salad, the Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This delightful dish blends garden-fresh greens with a burst of colorful veggies, chewy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and fragrant mint, all tied together with a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a perfect quick fix for lunch or a beautiful side that livens up any dinner table with its incredible textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad appears simple at first glance, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in the harmony of taste, texture, and color. From leafy greens to crunchy nuts and juicy veggies, every component is essential to make this salad truly shine.
- Spring mix greens: The gentle bed of assorted tender leaves providing a fresh and slightly peppery base for the salad.
- Tomato: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant red color to brighten the bowl.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of sharp, pungent kick that balances the sweetness.
- English cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, sliced into half moons for a pleasing bite.
- Kalamata olives: Offer rich, briny depth to ground the salad’s fresh flavors.
- Chopped walnuts: Bring an irresistible crunch and a nutty richness.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet and chewy, they add pops of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves: Torn into pieces to lend a herbal brightness and aromatic lift.
- Italian dressing: A zesty, tangy dressing that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by adding 10-11 ounces of fresh spring mix greens to a large salad bowl. This mix usually contains baby lettuces, spinach, and other tender leaves that give the salad a soft, delicate texture and a wonderful variety of green shades.
Step 2: Add the Colorful Veggies and More
Next, toss in the tomato pieces, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber half-moons, Kalamata olives, crunchy chopped walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, and fresh mint leaves torn into smaller bits. This combination creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will keep your palate delighted with every forkful.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle about a quarter cup of your favorite Italian dressing evenly over the salad. Using salad tongs, toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with that zesty, herby goodness. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crispness and fresh flavors at their peak.
How to Serve Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra visual and textural boost, sprinkle a little extra chopped walnuts or a few whole fresh mint leaves on top. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also heighten the flavor profile without overshadowing the delicate ingredients.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a rich pasta dish. Its bright, refreshing flavors cut through heavier entrees, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom to keep the greens crisp until serving time. You can also present it on colorful plates or rustic wooden boards with whole sprigs of mint for a more inviting display at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day. To keep it fresh longer, store the salad and dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Freezing
Due to the fresh greens and dressing, this salad does not freeze well. Freezing will damage the texture of the ingredients and the crispness will be lost, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Since this salad is cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm dish with similar flavors, consider incorporating these ingredients into a warm grain bowl or a baked vegetable dish instead.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens instead of spring mix?
Absolutely! Baby spinach, arugula, or even kale can be used. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will slightly change depending on the greens’ characteristics.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, black olives or green olives can work, though the flavor profile will be milder or different. Choose olives with a firm texture and rich taste for the best swap.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe is naturally vegan as long as the Italian dressing you use contains no animal products.
What kind of Italian dressing works best?
A light, tangy Italian dressing with a good balance of herbs, vinegar, and olive oil complements the salad perfectly. Homemade or store-bought both work; just avoid overly sweet varieties to keep the balance right.
Can the walnuts be toasted for better flavor?
Definitely! Toasting the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before chopping enhances their nuttiness and adds a delicious crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe that makes it irresistible. Its perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, sweet, and tangy components will brighten any meal and make salad lovers out of even the most hesitant eaters. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite healthy indulgence!
Print
Spring Mix Salad with Tomatoes, Red Onion, Cucumber, Kalamata Olives, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Fresh Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Spring Mix Salad featuring a colorful blend of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh mint leaves, all tossed in zesty Italian dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Greens
- 10–11 oz spring mix greens
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 medium tomato, cut into bite sized pieces
- ¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- â…“ cup kalamata olives
- 1 large sprig fresh mint leaves, torn into pieces
Nuts & Dried Fruit
- â…“ cup chopped walnuts
- â…“ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Add the spring mix to a large salad bowl, creating a fresh base for the salad.
- Add the produce and extras: Incorporate the bite-sized tomato pieces, thinly sliced red onion, half moon cucumber slices, kalamata olives, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and torn mint leaves into the bowl with the greens.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over all the ingredients, then gently toss the salad using salad tongs to evenly coat everything. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality greens and produce for best taste and texture.
- Walnuts can be lightly toasted for extra crunch and flavor before adding.
- Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or dried cherries if preferred.
- Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade Italian dressing.
- Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature.
