Vibrant Spring Greens Salad
This Vibrant Spring Greens Salad is a delightful, nutrient-packed meal perfect for any time of day, especially after a workout. Bursting with fresh flavors and textures, it combines tender baby greens with a medley of colorful vegetables like roasted red peppers, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts. The addition of sweet dried cranberries and creamy blue cheese adds complexity to every bite. Feel free to personalize this salad with any leftover grilled chicken or seasonal veggies you have on hand, making it a flexible and delicious option. Toss it all together with a splash of olive oil and white balsamic vinegar or your favorite dressing for a quick, effortless meal that fuels your body and satisfies your taste buds.
1
Servings
450
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby greens
2-3 cups (washed and dried)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (raw)
White balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (raw)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped)
Dried cranberries
1/4 cup (raw)
Crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons (raw)
Roasted red pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping your ingredients: wash and dry the baby greens, chop the walnuts, and dice the roasted red pepper.
2
In a large salad bowl, add the baby greens as the base.
3
Top the baby greens with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, and diced roasted red pepper.
4
Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as cucumbers, peppers, or tomatoes.
5
Drizzle the olive oil and white balsamic vinegar over the salad for flavor.
6
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, healthy meal!
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
37g
Carbs
10g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Spring Greens Salad?
The Vibrant Spring Greens Salad is a nutrient-packed meal featuring baby greens, roasted red peppers, walnuts, dried cranberries, and blue cheese, designed to be both healthy and flavorful.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 450 calories.
What are the primary greens used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of baby greens, which should be washed and dried before assembly.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely. You can personalize the salad by adding leftover grilled chicken or other protein sources to make it even more filling.
What type of cheese is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese for a creamy and tangy flavor profile.
What nuts are used in the Vibrant Spring Greens Salad?
The salad includes 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, which provide a satisfying crunch.
What kind of dressing is recommended?
The recipe suggests a simple dressing of 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar.
Is this salad good for a post-workout meal?
Yes, it is described as a great option for fueling your body after a workout due to its nutrient-dense ingredients.
How much protein does this salad provide?
One serving of this salad contains 10 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The salad contains 28 grams of fat, largely coming from the walnuts, blue cheese, and olive oil.
How many carbohydrates are in the salad?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 5 grams of dietary fiber.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, the recipe is flexible; you can add cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, or any seasonal veggies you have available.
How do I prepare the roasted red pepper?
The roasted red pepper should be diced into small pieces before being added to the salad.
What fruit is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 serving.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, requiring only basic chopping and tossing.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While white balsamic is recommended, you can use your favorite dressing or another vinegar of your choice.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to prep your ingredients by washing the greens, chopping the walnuts, and dicing the roasted red pepper.
How should the salad be served?
It should be served immediately after tossing the ingredients together for the best texture and freshness.
Is this salad appropriate for a spring meal?
Yes, its fresh ingredients and light dressing make it a perfect 'spring' themed dish.
How do I ensure the greens are not soggy?
Ensure the baby greens are thoroughly washed and dried before adding them to the salad bowl.
Are the walnuts raw or roasted?
The recipe specifies using chopped walnuts, and while it doesn't strictly require roasting, they should be prepared as desired.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the blue cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What makes this salad 'vibrant'?
The combination of bright green leaves, red peppers, and white cheese creates a colorful and visually appealing dish.
Is this a good recipe for the gym crowd?
Yes, it is specifically tagged with 'gym' as it is a healthy, nutrient-packed meal option for active individuals.
Does this recipe require cooking?
No, this is a raw assembly recipe, though it uses pre-roasted red peppers.
How much white balsamic vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Gently toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl until they are well combined and coated in the dressing.