Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple salad of mixed greens tossed with a tangy balsamic glaze, topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh Parmesan for a savory bite. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Mixed greens, Pine nuts, shaved Parmesan cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast 1/3 cup pine nuts, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Place 5 cups mixed greens in a large bowl and pour the balsamic dressing over them. Toss gently to coat all leaves evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately to preserve texture and freshness.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Balsamic-Glazed Mixed Greens with Parmesan and Toasted Pine Nuts?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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