Salad with mustard and greens

A salad featuring mustard and greens can be tangy, flavorful, and refreshing. The mustard adds a zesty kick that pairs well with a variety of greens and other ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe that showcases mustard in the dressing, giving your salad a delightful tang:

Mustard Greens Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and baby kale)
• 1 cup mustard greens, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

For the Mustard Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Greens:

   • Wash and dry the mixed greens and mustard greens. Tear or chop the greens into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large salad bowl.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the cucumber.
   • If using avocado, slice it just before serving to prevent browning.

3. Make the Mustard Dressing:

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber to the bowl with the greens.
   • If using, sprinkle crumbled cheese and toasted nuts or seeds over the top. Add avocado slices if desired.

5. Dress and Toss:

   • Drizzle the mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.

This salad is versatile, so feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas if you want to make it more substantial. Enjoy the tangy and satisfying flavors!