I’m always making mixed green salads to go alongside pizza or pasta or soups and sandwiches, etc. This is my go-to combination of vegetables and lettuce- I don’t always include everything but a bit of what I have on hand. And then I serve it with our favorite store-bought salad dressing or make my own vinaigrette. This has become my favorite balsamic vinaigrette recipe lately. It’s simple to make- just whisk everything together in a bowl. And it’s got just the right balance of oil and vinegar, tangy and sweet. Use high quality balsamic and olive oil for the best flavor.

Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

mixed green lettuces
grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
cucumber, sliced
carrot, peeled and grated
red onion, thinly sliced
red bell pepper, diced
radish, thinly sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette:
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, balsamic, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic. Add the oil and whisk thoroughly to combine. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified. Store in a jar with a lid and refrigerate. Shake well before serving.
2. Place mixed greens in a serving bowl and add vegetables. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette, toss, and serve.

(Adapted from Barefeet in the Kitchen)