Saalf Life Salad

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Saalf Life Salad

Spring mix, red onion, walnuts, dried cranberries, and salty blue cheese, all tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette. It takes about 10 minutes and it never gets old.

Why This Salad Works

  • Balance: Sweet cranberries and honey, salty blue cheese, sharp onion, and tangy balsamic all show up in every bite.
  • Texture: Tender greens against crunchy walnuts and creamy crumbles.
  • Easy to build on: Eat it as a side, or add a protein and make it a full meal.
  • Simple dressing: Four ingredients plus salt and pepper, no store-bought bottle needed.

Ingredients

Salad

  • Spring mix, a few big handfuls
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion
  • 1 small handful chopped walnuts
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries
  • 2 oz blue cheese crumbles

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Pepitas
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Sliced chicken
  • Sliced turkey

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar or small bowl. Shake or whisk until it comes together.
  2. Build the salad. Add the spring mix to a large bowl or plate and top with the red onion, walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese.
  3. Dress it. Drizzle on the vinaigrette a little at a time and toss. You won't need all of it for one salad.
  4. Add toppings. Finish with pepitas, steak, eggs, chicken, or turkey if you want more protein. Serve right away.

Notes

  • Dressing amount: The recipe makes more than one salad needs. Store the extra in the fridge for up to a week and shake it well before using (the olive oil may firm up when cold, so let it sit out a few minutes).
  • Blue cheese: Feta works great if blue cheese isn't your thing.
  • Make it a meal: Two hard boiled eggs or a few slices of chicken or turkey bring the protein up quickly.
  • Prep ahead: Keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating so the greens stay crisp.

Nutrition

Estimated per salad, made with about 2 tbsp of dressing and no optional toppings:

  • Calories: ~650
  • Fat: ~52 g
  • Protein: ~18 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30 g
  • Fiber: ~4 g
  • Sugar: ~18 g
  • Sodium: ~900 mg

Optional toppings (approximate): 1 hard boiled egg adds about 70 calories and 6 g protein. 3 oz sliced chicken adds about 120 calories and 25 g protein. 3 oz sliced turkey adds about 100 calories and 17 g protein. 1 tbsp pepitas adds about 45 calories and 2 g protein.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on your portions and the brands you use.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing and greens apart. Toss everything together right before you eat.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?

Feta or goat cheese are both good swaps.

How long does the dressing keep?

About a week in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Is this salad filling enough for lunch?

Yes, and if you want more protein add steak, eggs, chicken, or turkey.

More Saalf Life recipes:

Thanks for stopping by Saalf Life


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