Fav Salad – A Sweet and Spicy Dinner Salad That’s Quick, Healthy, and Flavor-Packed
Looking for a satisfying, healthy salad recipe that’s ready in minutes? This sweet and spicy Fav Salad blends tender salad greens with tangy feta, spicy jalapeños, and a bright lemon dressing. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner salad or a make-ahead meal prep salad, this gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dish checks all the boxes.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1–2
Calories: 280
Protein: 6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Perfect for a quick dinner salad or healthy lunch
· Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (omit cheese for vegan version)
· Sweet and spicy flavor with minimal ingredients
· Ready in 5 minutes – no cooking required
· Ideal for meal prep salad bowls or sides
· Flexible recipe – easy to customize with proteins or extras
Ingredients
· 1 handful prewashed arugula or salad greens
· ¼ cup chopped onion and jalapeño
· ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan option)
· ½ teaspoon Italiano spice blend
· ¼ cup olive oil
· 3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
1. Place arugula or greens in a large bowl.
2. Add chopped onion and jalapeño.
3. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Italiano seasoning.
5. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Nutritional Breakdown
· Calories: 280
· Protein: 6g
· Fiber: 2g
Variations & Substitutions
· Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for more salad protein.
· Swap arugula with spinach or mixed greens.
· Use goat cheese or vegan cheese in place of feta.
· Add diced mango or strawberries for extra sweetness.
· Top with toasted seeds or nuts for crunch.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
• Store dressing and greens separately to maintain freshness.
• Best consumed within 2 days.
• Pre-mix vinaigrette and store in fridge for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, just omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Q: What other greens can I use?
A: Spinach, kale, or spring mix all work well.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Just store dressing separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This sweet and spicy dinner salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. With bold flavors and minimal prep, it’s a perfect option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to salad recipe!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think leave a comment below—what twists did you make?
