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Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A fresh, Mediterranean-inspired spring salad made with arugula, cucumber, radishes, peas, mint, and dill, tossed in a bright lemon Dijon vinaigrette. Ready in 12 minutes with no cooking required.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Light Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Salad
  • 5 cups fresh arugula or mixed spring greens
  • 1 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 4 radishes thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh peas shelled or thawed frozen
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons shallots finely minced
Lemon Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Small bowl or jar for dressing
  • Whisk or fork
  • Vegetable peeler (optional)
  • Salad spinner (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the arugula or spring greens under cold water and dry them thoroughly in a salad spinner or with paper towels.
  2. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons and thinly slice the radishes.
  3. Finely mince the shallots.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced shallots, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 1 minute.
  5. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies and looks slightly creamy.
  6. Place the dried greens in a large mixing bowl and add the cucumber, radishes, and peas. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Tear the mint leaves into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the dill, then add both herbs to the bowl.
  8. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed, then serve immediately.

Notes

Do not dress the salad more than 10 minutes before serving to keep the greens crisp. For variations, add feta, nuts, grilled chicken, or swap the greens as desired.