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Super Crunch Salad

Super Crunch Salad

Super Crunch Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy dish combining crisp greens, crunchy nuts, colorful vegetables, and a tangy lemon-honey-Dijon dressing. This quick and easy salad offers a perfect texture balance and is packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a quick lunch, side dish, or wholesome snack. Fully adaptable to dietary preferences, it is both visually appealing and satisfyingly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Greens

  • Mixed greens such as romaine, spinach, or kale (about 4 cups)

Crisp Vegetables

  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Crunchy Nuts

  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds or walnuts

Optional Cheese

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or grated parmesan

Dried Fruits

  • 1/4 cup sun-dried cranberries or raisins

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro

Simple Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: Wash and chop your fresh greens and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Ensure all ingredients are completely dry so the dressing adheres well and the salad remains crisp.
  2. Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast your nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
  3. Mix the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified to create a tangy dressing.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the greens, crisp vegetables, toasted nuts, dried fruits, and fresh herbs.
  5. Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Sprinkle cheese on top if using. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect crunch and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Prep ahead with care by chopping veggies and keeping the dressing separate until serving to preserve freshness and crunch.
  • Make sure all greens and vegetables are very dry before dressing to avoid sogginess.
  • Toast nuts evenly by stirring frequently during toasting to get uniform crunch and avoid burning.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice lacks the same zing.
  • Toss ingredients gently to avoid bruising delicate greens and maintain the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Super Crunch Salad, crunchy salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, vegetarian salad, quick salad, salad with nuts, lemon dressing