Bright Spring Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of the season. With a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a perfect way to welcome the warmer weather.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts
• For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, torn basil leaves, and torn mint leaves.
2. In a separate small bowl, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. Whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
3. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
4. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the vinaigrette, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts over the top of the salad.
6. Serve the Bright Spring Salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the burst of flavors and the colorful presentation of this Bright Spring Salad, bringing the essence of spring to your dining table!