Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme
A vibrant mixed green salad dressed with a tangy honey-Dijon vinaigrette accented by fresh thyme, perfect for a light and flavorful starter. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, Dijon mustard, honey 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 110 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.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 tsp salt until combined.
- Step 2: Slowly drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the vinaigrette until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Add 5 cups mixed salad greens to a large bowl, pour the vinaigrette over, and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the salad, toss lightly again, and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 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 Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme?
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 salad greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme?
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 Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme 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 Honey-Dijon Vinaigrette Salad with Mixed Greens and Thyme?
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.
