It doesn’t get any fresher or more vibrant than this Spring Mix Salad. Bright baby lettuces, shaved carrot ribbons, peppery radishes, creamy avocado and crunchy sunflower seeds come together in minutes. A sweet-tangy honey mustard dressing lifts every bite, making this salad ideal as a light main or a versatile side.
I eat salads daily and love recipes that are both simple and crave-worthy. This Spring Mix Salad has become a seasonal favorite: it’s quick to assemble, colorful, and flexible enough to pair with a variety of meals. The mix of tender greens and contrasting textures keeps every forkful interesting, and the honey mustard dressing adds just the right balance of sweet and tangy.
This salad works beautifully as a side for roasts, soups, or casseroles, and it easily becomes a satisfying main when topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon or chickpeas. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free when served without cheese, making it a great option for many diets.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Fresh and colorful: tender spring mix, crisp radishes and shaved carrots create appealing contrast.
- Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: serve as a side or add protein for a main dish.
- Diet-friendly: naturally vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free if you skip cheese.
Recipe ingredients
- Spring mix lettuce (mesclun) – a blend of tender baby lettuces and greens that forms the base.
- Radishes – sliced thin for a peppery crunch.
- Carrot – shaved into ribbons or sliced thin for sweetness and color.
- Avocado – pitted and chopped for creaminess.
- Sunflower seeds – raw or roasted for extra texture.
- Honey mustard dressing – a sweet and tangy dressing pairs perfectly; lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette also work well.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to make spring green salad
This salad requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep, so it comes together quickly.
The mesclun blend gives a variety of flavors and textures, making each bite interesting. To save time, shave the carrot ahead of time and toss it with the greens a few hours before serving. Prepare the dressing up to a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Place the spring mix lettuce in a large bowl. If you prepped carrot ribbons, add them now.
- Add sliced radish, chopped avocado and sunflower seeds just before serving to preserve texture.
- Toss with enough honey mustard dressing to coat the leaves lightly and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Is mesclun the same as spring mix?
Yes. Mesclun and spring mix refer to the same concept: a blend of young, tender lettuces and leafy greens that tend to appear in spring. The exact mix varies by brand and producer.
What kinds of greens are in spring mix?
Spring mix typically includes baby lettuces, arugula, spinach, frisée, chard, and sometimes small amounts of radicchio or fresh herbs. Flavors range from mild and buttery to slightly peppery or bitter depending on the blend.
Serving suggestions
This salad is highly adaptable. Try some of these pairings and variations:
- Serve as a side with roasted chicken, pork loin or grilled fish.
- Pair with a bowl of soup or a comforting casserole for a balanced meal.
- Top with grilled chicken, air-fryer shrimp, seared salmon or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed main.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese, olives, toasted nuts or additional roasted vegetables to customize flavors and make it heartier.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Prepare carrot ribbons and toss them with the greens a few hours ahead to speed assembly. Keep avocado and dressing separate until serving.
- Nutrition information does not include dressing unless specified separately.
- Feel free to swap or add vegetables, seeds, nuts or cheese according to preference.
Spring Mix Salad Recipe
This simple recipe makes about six servings and takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces spring mix lettuce
- 4 large radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, shaved or thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, pitted and cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, raw or roasted
- Honey mustard dressing, or your favorite dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Combine spring mix lettuce, radishes, carrot and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
- Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 102 kcal; Carbohydrates: 6 g; Protein: 2 g; Fat: 9 g; Fiber: 3 g. Nutrition is approximate and may vary based on dressing and ingredient choices.
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