Green Salad Recipe

Prepare greens

Wash the mixed salad greens thoroughly. Spin in a salad spinner or pat dry with clean kitchen towels until well-dried. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl.

Slice cucumber and pepper

Trim the cucumber ends. If skin is waxy, peel one strip out of every few rotations or peel fully. Slice cucumber in half lengthwise, then thinly slice into half-moons (about 1/8–1/4 inch thick). Add to the bowl with greens. Core the green bell pepper, remove seeds and ribs, then thinly slice into strips and add to the bowl.

Prepare scallions and herbs

Trim root ends and any wilted tops from the green onions. Slice thinly on the bias and add to the bowl. Finely chop the parsley and cilantro (or other herb of choice) and add to the bowl.

Avocado

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, then peel or scoop the flesh. Slice or dice to your preference and add to the bowl just before dressing to prevent browning.

Season and add seeds

Sprinkle the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the assembled salad and add the toasted pumpkin seeds. Toss very lightly if you are not yet adding dressing so ingredients distribute evenly.

Make the dressing: in a small bowl or jar combine the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and grated garlic. Whisk or shake to combine.

Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil while whisking (or add oil to the jar and shake vigorously) until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.

Season the dressing with the measured salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust: add a pinch more salt, a squeeze more lemon, or a touch more honey to balance acidity if needed.

Dress the salad: pour the dressing over the salad (start with about three-quarters of the dressing and reserve the rest). Gently toss the salad with tongs or salad servers until all ingredients are lightly coated. Add remaining dressing as needed to reach desired coating.

Serve: transfer to a serving bowl or plates, garnish with any extra herbs and a final sprinkle of pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately.