Simple Green Salad with Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
A quick and refreshing Simple Green Salad featuring a tangy maple balsamic dressing, perfect for a light and healthy meal or a vibrant side dish. Ready in just five minutes, it combines fresh spring greens with a flavorful homemade dressing, optionally topped with seeds or nuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper to taste
Salad
- 4 cups spring greens
- Seeds, nuts, or any other crunchies for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Shake all the dressing ingredients - maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper - together in a jar until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences.
- Toss the Greens: Drizzle a small amount of the dressing over the spring greens. Gently toss the leaves using your hands to coat them evenly without bruising. Add more dressing if necessary, but avoid over-saturating the leaves to prevent sogginess.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed greens to a serving bowl or plate. Optionally, sprinkle with seeds, nuts, or other crunchy toppings for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp spring greens for the best texture and flavor.
- The dressing can be adjusted in sweetness or acidity by modifying the maple syrup or balsamic vinegar amounts.
- The salad is best served immediately to avoid soggy greens.
- Optional toppings add texture but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.