Easy & Flavorful Salad for Two: My Go-To Recipe

Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one’s proof! I’ve been making this simple, delicious salad for years—it’s got a tangy homemade dressing, fresh greens, and toppings that make every bite a little party. It’s perfect for a side dish, quick lunch, or a light dinner, and it serves two (or one very hungry me with leftovers for later). The secret? Weighing the dressing ingredients for precision—it’s a game-changer! Let’s dive in.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 45 g olive oil
• 45 g red wine vinegar
• 10 g Dijon mustard
• 5 drops liquid stevia
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (I use Spice Islands Organic Garlic & Herb—love the dried onion and garlic in it!)
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

For the Salad:

• 100 g salad mix (your favorite leafy greens)
• 2 oz crumbled feta cheese
• 1 medium Haas avocado, diced
• A handful of shredded carrots
• 1/4 to 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds (no shells!)

Makes 2 servings—perfect for sharing or meal prepping!

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing: Place a large metal bowl on a gram scale and tare it to zero. Add 45 g olive oil, tare again, then add 45 g red wine vinegar, tare again, and finally 10 g Dijon mustard. (After this, no need to weigh until the greens!)
2. Season It Up: Add 5 drops of liquid stevia, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper to the bowl. Grab a whisk and mix it all together until it’s fully blended and smooth—no lumps allowed!
3. Toss the Greens: Add 100 g of salad mix to the bowl. Use tongs or gloved hands to toss everything really well—stir and fold until every leaf is coated and there’s no pool of dressing left at the bottom.
4. Add the Toppings: Split the salad into two bowls (or keep it in one big bowl if you’re serving family-style). Top each serving with 2 oz crumbled feta, half a diced avocado, a handful of shredded carrots, some thinly sliced onion (adjust to taste), and a generous sprinkle of roasted sunflower seeds (about 1/4 cup total).
5. Serve & Enjoy: Dig in right away while it’s fresh and crunchy! This is a meal that feels light but totally satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

The dressing is the star here—tangy, slightly sweet, and herby, it clings to the greens without drowning them. Weighing the ingredients might sound fussy, but it’s so quick and ensures the balance is spot-on every time. Plus, the toppings? Feta for saltiness, avocado for creaminess, and sunflower seeds for that perfect crunch. It’s my kind of salad: easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.

Try it out and let me know what you think—or share your favorite salad twists in the comments! Happy tossing!