Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp salad featuring 5 cups of mixed greens and a tangy 2-tbsp dressing, celebrating the 2:5 ratio in every bite. This American-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 10 minutes, pairs Mixed greens, Red onion, Vinegar 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 180 calories and feeds 2, 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 Serves 2 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Kitchen tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash and spin-dry 5 cups mixed greens, then arrange on chilled plates. Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion and scatter over greens.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving, ensuring every leaf is lightly coated. Toss gently to distribute dressing without bruising greens.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately to maintain crispness and vibrant color.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing 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 Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing?

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 Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing?

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 Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Two-Leaf Green Salad with 5-Ingredient Dressing?

American 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.

What others are saying