There is something truly delightful about a fresh, crisp salad that can transform a simple meal into a memorable one. This Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe brings together the perfect balance of peppery rocket, crunchy cucumber, and refreshing cos lettuce, all elevated by a luscious, tangy dressing that combines the sharpness of Dijon mustard with the gentle sweetness of maple syrup. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients with a homemade dressing that brightens every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute texture, color, and vibrant flavor without overwhelming your palate. This list includes just the essentials that combine effortlessly to create a fresh and balanced salad.
- Cos lettuce: Provides a crisp, crunchy base with a mild, refreshing flavor perfect for any salad.
- Continental cucumber: Adds a cool, juicy crunch that balances the peppery greens and adds subtle sweetness.
- Rocket (arugula): Brings a peppery, slightly bitter note to give the salad a lively bite.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the dressing, helping to blend the flavors together beautifully.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers a sharp, tangy contrast that brightens the entire salad.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle heat and depth, the perfect punch to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally, balancing the acidity and mustard’s bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out all the flavors of the dish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Greens
Start by washing and drying the cos lettuce and rocket leaves thoroughly to ensure your salad stays crisp and fresh. Chop the cos lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice the continental cucumber into thin ribbons or rounds for that satisfying crunch. Toss these fresh greens together in a large salad bowl to create the vibrant base of this dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Dijon Maple Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth. This mixture balances tanginess, sweetness, and a touch of heat, making it such a crowd-pleaser with every drizzle. Add salt and pepper to taste to bring everything together perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Just before serving, pour your freshly whisked dressing over the greens. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, so each leaf gets a beautiful, glossy coating of the Dijon Maple Dressing. This final step ensures that the salad stays fresh and crisp without becoming soggy and that every bite bursts with flavor.
How to Serve Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe by adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even some shaved Parmesan for a salty kick. Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or dill can also elevate the freshness and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or roasted vegetables. Its bright, tangy dressing cleanses the palate, making it a refreshing companion to hearty mains or a light meal on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on colorful plates to highlight the greens. Layered in mason jars for picnics or lunches, this salad stays vibrant and makes for a stunning, portable side that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep the greens crisp. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the dressing in a sealed jar. Dress the salad only when you’re ready to serve to avoid wilted leaves.
Freezing
Because this is a fresh salad with delicate greens, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the lettuce and rocket will degrade, and the dressing may separate upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. If you’re pairing it with a warm dish, simply serve the salad cold or at room temperature alongside your hot meal.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of cos lettuce and rocket?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can swap cos lettuce with romaine, butter lettuce, or even baby spinach. Rosemary, kale, or mixed salad greens will also work, just adjust the quantity based on the sturdiness and flavor intensity of the leaves.
Is maple syrup necessary in the dressing?
Maple syrup adds a natural, subtle sweetness that balances the sharpness of the Dijon mustard and vinegar. If you prefer, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup with similar tasty results.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the Dijon Maple Dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it over your salad to recombine the ingredients.
How do I make this salad vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan, as all ingredients are plant-based. Just ensure your maple syrup and mustard do not contain any added animal products, which is rare but worth checking.
What variations would you suggest to customize this recipe?
Feel free to add extras like sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or toasted seeds. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can introduce creaminess, or try swapping red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a milder acidity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that’s quick, fresh, and bursting with balanced flavors, this Simple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe is a must-try. It’s a personal favorite for its bright, approachable taste and the ease of preparation. Whether you’re serving it at a casual weeknight dinner or alongside a more formal meal, it always brings a bit of vibrant, wholesome joy to the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
PrintSimple Side Salad with Dijon Maple Dressing Recipe
A fresh and simple side salad featuring crisp cos lettuce, refreshing continental cucumber, and peppery rocket, dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Perfectly quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, this salad pairs well with a variety of dishes as a light, healthy accompaniment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 medium cos lettuce, chopped
- ½ large continental cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup rocket
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Vegetables: Add the chopped cos lettuce, sliced continental cucumber, and rocket leaves to a large salad bowl, ensuring all the ingredients are fresh and crisp.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon of maple syrup until the mixture emulsifies and is well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Toss the Salad: Just before serving, pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat all the greens with the dressing evenly, ensuring maximum flavor without bruising the leaves.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- The dressing can be adjusted in sweetness or acidity by varying the maple syrup or vinegar amounts.
- For added crunch, consider topping with nuts or seeds.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to maintain freshness.
- Leftover dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
