This vibrant Spring Mix Salad transforms everyday greens into a showstopper that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Ready in just 13 minutes, it combines crisp spring greens with marinated red onions, creamy avocado, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, tangy, and savory elements that’ll make you rethink what a salad can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Fast: From start to finish in just 13 minutes – perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: The marinated onions and homemade dressing elevate this from a basic salad to something you’d pay good money for at a fancy restaurant.
  • Texture Paradise: Every bite offers something different – from the crisp greens to creamy avocado, crunchy breadcrumbs, and juicy tomatoes.
  • Versatile Base: Works beautifully as a standalone lunch or as a side to practically any main dish you can think of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Spring Mix: The star of the show! This blend of baby lettuces provides various flavors from mild to slightly peppery, creating a perfect base.
  • Red Onion: Marinating transforms these from sharp and pungent to mellow and flavorful, infusing the dressing with extra depth.
  • Avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying and substantial.
  • Heirloom Tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness and gorgeous colors make this salad visually stunning while balancing the acidity in the dressing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty element that enhances all the other flavors.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These toasted breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch that takes this salad to the next level.
  • Olive Oil: Forms the base of our dressing, providing richness and helping to carry all those wonderful flavors.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity that wakes up all the other ingredients.
  • Garlic: Just a small amount adds tremendous flavor to the dressing and marinated onions.
  • Herbs and Spices: Salt, pepper, and oregano balance and enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This salad welcomes creativity! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

  • Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or garbanzo beans for a heartier meal.
  • Nut Lover’s Version: Replace breadcrumbs with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Fruit Forward: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or pear for a sweet contrast to the savory elements.
  • Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate kalamata olives, cucumber, and feta cheese instead of parmesan.
  • Grain Addition: Toss in some cooled quinoa or farro to transform this into a complete meal.

How to Make the Best Spring Mix Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Onions and Make the Dressing

Slice the red onion into thin rings and place them in a mason jar or container. Pour in the olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Give everything a good toss, cover, and set aside. This simple step transforms both the onions and creates your dressing simultaneously!

Step 2: Toast the Breadcrumbs

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add your panko breadcrumbs. Toast for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep stirring frequently – they can go from perfect to burned in seconds!

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

Add your spring mix to a large serving bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange sliced avocado and tomatoes on top of the greens. Using a fork, transfer the marinated onions from the jar to your salad, leaving the dressing behind for now.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle your freshly grated parmesan cheese over the salad, followed by the toasted panko breadcrumbs. Finally, drizzle the remaining dressing from the jar over everything and serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Slice Onions Super Thin: The thinner your onion slices, the quicker they’ll mellow in the dressing and the more pleasant they’ll be to eat.
  • Room Temperature Tomatoes: Never refrigerate your tomatoes! They lose flavor and develop a mealy texture when cold.
  • Dress Right Before Serving: Toss with dressing at the last possible moment to keep the greens from wilting.
  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are so few ingredients, splurge on the best quality you can find, especially the olive oil and parmesan.
  • Breadcrumb Alternative: If you’re avoiding gluten, crushed nuts work beautifully, or try gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

How to Serve

This versatile salad works in so many settings:

As a Starter

Serve smaller portions to kick off a dinner party or family meal. It pairs beautifully with nearly any cuisine.

For Lunch

Enjoy a larger portion as a complete meal, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up any extra dressing.

With Dinner

This salad complements grilled proteins perfectly – try it alongside a simple steak, roasted chicken, or grilled fish.

For a Gathering

Double or triple the recipe and serve in a large, shallow bowl so the toppings are visible – it’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Components Separately

To save time, you can marinate the onions and make the dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly. However, if you have leftover undressed greens and toppings, store them separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Dressing Storage

The dressing (with or without marinated onions) will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The olive oil may solidify when cold – simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before using.

Breadcrumb Storage

Store extra toasted breadcrumbs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They make a great topping for pasta, soups, and other salads!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

    I recommend preparing all components separately and assembling just before serving. You can marinate the onions, toast the breadcrumbs, and prepare the vegetables up to a few hours ahead, but dress and assemble the salad at the last minute for the best texture and freshness.

  2. What can I substitute for spring mix if I can’t find it?

    Any tender lettuce blend works beautifully here. Try baby spinach, arugula, butter lettuce, or a mix of your favorite greens. The key is using fresh, tender leaves rather than tougher varieties like romaine or iceberg.

  3. My avocados aren’t quite ripe – should I wait to make the salad?

    For the best experience, yes! Ripe avocados make a huge difference in this salad. To speed up ripening, place avocados in a paper bag with a banana or apple for 1-2 days. If you’re really in a pinch, substitute with crumbled goat cheese for creamy richness.

  4. Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

    Absolutely! Skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar savory note. The salad is still delicious without cheese, as the other components provide plenty of flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Mix Salad proves that sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most spectacular results. The combination of crisp greens, tangy marinated onions, creamy avocado, and that irresistible breadcrumb crunch creates a salad that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an impressive starter, or a fresh side dish, this recipe delivers remarkable flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight—I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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The Best Spring Mix Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Spring Mix Salad combines fresh greens, creamy avocado, juicy heirloom tomatoes, marinated red onions, and a zesty homemade lemon dressing. Topped with parmesan cheese and crunchy toasted panko (or pecans), this easy salad strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing appetizer or a light vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad:

  • 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
  • 2 boxes Little Leaf spring mix salad blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (more as desired)
  • 1/3 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or finely ground pecans, toasted

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 garlic clove, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Onions & Make Dressing: Slice the red onion into thin rings and place them in the bottom of a mason jar, container, or bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Toss well to combine. Cover and set aside until you are ready to assemble the salad. This step lets the onions soften and flavor the dressing.
  2. Toast the Breadcrumbs: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the panko breadcrumbs (or finely ground pecans, if preferred). Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Place the spring mix salad blend into a large bowl or serving dish. Sprinkle with fine sea salt and black pepper to season the greens.
  4. Add Toppings: Arrange the sliced avocado and sliced heirloom tomatoes attractively on top of the greens. Using a fork, add the marinated red onions on top, reserving the extra dressing for the next step.
  5. Add Cheese and Crunch: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and the toasted panko breadcrumbs (or pecans) evenly over the salad for added flavor and texture.
  6. Dress & Serve: Drizzle the reserved lemon dressing from the onions evenly over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if desired, and serve immediately for peak freshness.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, simply omit the parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
  • Using ground pecans instead of panko keeps the salad gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.
  • Marinating the onions longer deepens their flavor, making the salad even tastier.
  • Best served immediately after dressing to prevent the greens from wilting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of salad
  • Calories: approx 230
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 6mg
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Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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