Golden Ratio Salad (Printable)

Fresh mixed greens and vibrant produce arranged for flavor and visual harmony with tangy honey-lemon dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ Greens

01 - 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, watercress)

→ Vegetables & Fruits

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
04 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Cheese & Nuts

07 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
08 - 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey
12 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Place mixed baby greens on a large platter forming a base that follows a subtle spiral or sweeping curve evocative of the Golden Ratio principle.
02 - Artistically layer cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds along the spiral, starting with larger ingredients near the focal point approximately 61.8% along the platter's main axis, tapering outwards.
03 - Evenly scatter crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts over the salad, focusing slightly more at the spiral's focal point for accentuation.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
05 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged salad just before serving to maintain visual integrity.
06 - Serve immediately, preserving the artistic plating for maximum visual effect.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • It tastes as good as it looks, with bright citrus dressing that lets each ingredient shine without overshadowing the others.
  • You can prep everything ahead and arrange it just before guests arrive, which feels far more impressive than it actually is.
02 -
  • Prep everything but don't assemble until just before serving—wet greens collapse, and avocado oxidizes if exposed too long.
  • The golden ratio spiral is a guide, not a rule; what matters most is creating visual rhythm and balance that feels natural to your eye.
03 -
  • Chill your platter in the freezer for ten minutes before plating; it keeps everything fresh-tasting longer and makes the colors pop.
  • Mix the dressing components separately and only whisk them together moments before serving, so it stays bright and doesn't separate.
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