Quick Balsamic Vinegar Salad (Printable)

Crisp mixed greens combined with cherry tomatoes and a tangy balsamic dressing for a refreshing bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine, radicchio)
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
05 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts (optional)

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Method:

01 - Simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and walnuts if using.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard if using, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the balsamic reduction until smooth.
04 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
05 - Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional cracked black pepper.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 15 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • The balsamic reduction adds a sophisticated sweetness that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, so you can serve it to almost anyone without worry.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the balsamic reduction—pouring hot vinegar over cold greens will wilt them into mush within seconds.
  • Make the balsamic reduction in advance if you want; it keeps in the fridge for a week and tastes even better the next day as the flavors mellow and marry.
03 -
  • Use a light hand when tossing—the goal is to coat everything evenly, not to bruise the greens into submission.
  • The balsamic reduction will thicken slightly more as it cools, so don't panic if it seems thin in the pan; trust the process and give it those 2 minutes to rest.
Return