Abstract Expressionist Splash Salad (Print Version)

A colorful blend of fresh greens, vibrant veggies, seeds, and tangy dressing for an artistic, fresh salad.

# What to Use:

→ Vegetables & Fruits

01 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
02 - 1 small golden beet, peeled and shaved
03 - 1 small cucumber, sliced into ribbons
04 - ½ cup red radishes, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup watermelon, cut into irregular cubes
06 - 1 ripe avocado, cubed

→ Greens & Herbs

07 - 1 cup mixed baby greens (arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
08 - 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn

→ Crunch & Texture

09 - ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
10 - ¼ cup pomegranate seeds

→ Cheese

11 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

→ Dressing

12 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
14 - 1 tsp honey
15 - ½ tsp Dijon mustard
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Prepare:

01 - Arrange cherry tomatoes, golden beet, cucumber, radishes, watermelon, and avocado separately in individual bowls.
02 - Scatter mixed baby greens and torn mint leaves loosely across a large serving platter or shallow bowl.
03 - Distribute tomatoes, beet shavings, cucumber ribbons, radish slices, watermelon cubes, and avocado atop the greens, allowing overlapping colors and textures.
04 - Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta irregularly over the salad.
05 - Whisk extra-virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the dressing generously across the salad in zigzags and splatters to mimic artistic brushstrokes.
07 - Present immediately so guests can admire the arrangement before mixing and enjoying.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a visual masterpiece that makes every meal feel like a special occasion, turning a simple salad into edible art
  • Zero cooking required means you can create something restaurant-worthy in just 20 minutes, even on your busiest days
  • The contrast of flavors and textures keeps your palate dancing—sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, and tangy feta all playing together
02 -
  • Assemble this salad as close to serving time as possible. Unlike traditional salads, the beauty here is in the visual presentation, and letting it sit will cause the colors to blur and blend rather than pop with contrast.
  • Don't over-dress the salad all at once. Some areas should be lightly dressed while others are more thoroughly coated. This variation actually makes it more interesting to eat, with different intensity in different bites.
03 -
  • Shave your beets and cucumbers as close to serving time as possible using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler—this keeps them crisp and vibrant rather than wilted
  • The secret to an emulsified dressing is patience and whisking. Take time with this step and you'll create a creamy, luxurious dressing that clings to every element rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl
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