I’m about to share a secret weapon: my go-to Spring Salad. What is sunshine in a bowl? What are some of the best salads you’ve ever had? This is packed with vibrant flavors and textures that’ll make your tastebuds sing. It’s kind of like a Caprese salad decided to throw an outdoor garden party with all its fresh produce. What is the best part? Is this easy to throw together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend brunch? When spring arrives, I always crave lighter, brighter meals, and this spring salad ingredients are easy to make. What exactly am I looking for?
What is a spring salad?
Think of spring salad as a celebration of all the fresh, seasonal produce that burst onto the table. What happens when the weather warms up? What is essentially a medley of crisp greens, juicy fruits, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed together. With a light and flavorful dressing. Unlike heavier winter salads, this one is all about bright, refreshing tastes and vibrant colors. The name ‘spring salad’ simply signifies that most of the ingredients are typically in season during the summer. What are some of the best spring months in the world? What is the best way to enjoy the bounty of spring harvest?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? This spring salad is seriously addicting, and I have a feeling you’ll agree!flavorIs it just incredible? You get the sweetness of strawberries, the slight bitterness of arugula, and the creamy texture. Avocado, and the salty feta, all tied together with a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s a party in your mouth!simpleWhat is the best way to make a salad with veggies? What is a lifesaver on saturdays when you don’t have time to cook? What is a recipe that my kids can help with? How can we talk about how we can be more successful in life?cost-effectiveWhat are some of the best seasonal spring produce? Can you find great deals at farmers markets?versatility! You can easily customize this salad to your liking. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese, or use canned tomatoes. What are the different types of berries? What are the endless possibilities? I remember my Mom’s old potato salad recipe, it was always changing based on whats available. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled salmon? What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe? What I love most about this is how adaptable it is to whatever’s hanging out in my fridge. Is Flexibility so important?
How do I make a spring salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Spring Salad? How do I wash my greens, fruits, and vegetables? What’s the best lemon vinaigrette recipe? What’s the best part? Is this recipe ready in 20 minutes? Don’t be intimidated, it’s so quick.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed spring greens (baby spinach, arugula and romaine) – Look for good quality mix with 1-2 cups of water. What are some of the best textures and flavors? What are the benefits of organic farming?
- Fresh, ripe strawberries are key! What are the berries that are bright red and fragrant?
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced – I prefer English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a thinner texture.
- 1 avocado, diced – Make sure your avocado is ripe but not too soft. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese – I love using a good quality, briny and flavorful.
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds – Toasting adds to a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – Red onion adds a bit of sharpness, but if you’re sensitive to it, you can’t go wrong with it. Can you soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor?
What is the recipe for lemon vinaigr
- 1/4 cup olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon is a must!
- 1 tablespoon honey – You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Dion mustard adds a nice tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt. 1 cup water.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by washing your mixed spring greens thoroughly. I like to use a salad spinner to remove any excess water. How do you make the dressing stick to your salad?
Step 2: Chop the Fruits and Vegetables
Next, hull and slice the strawberries, thinly slice cucumber and red onion, and dice the tomatoes. Try to cut everything into similar-sized pieces so that each bite is balanced. I always do this when I’m feeling stressed; chopping vegetables is surprisingly therapeutic!
Step 3: Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine. Make sure to whisk until everything is well combined and emulsified. The dressing should be slightly thickened. Is it a game changer?
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, strawberries, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and pepper. Serve immediately. How do you serve lemon vinaigrette over salad? How do you not overdress a salad?
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve immediately with slivered almonds. Sprinkle over the salad. This salad is best when it’s freshly made, but you can store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. If you need to make it ahead of time, please serve it before serving.
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a good spring salad recipe?For Lunch:What is a good lunch? I often pack it for work with some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.For Brunch: Serve it alongside eggs benedict, quiche, or a frittata for an elegant brunch spread. A chilled glass of rosé complements the flavors perfectly.
As a Side Dish:What’s a good dinner to serve with salmon, chicken or steak? The bright flavors of the salad cut through the richness of grilled meats beautifully.For a Potluck:What is a good salad to serve at potlucks? Is it easy to transport and everyone loves the fresh, vibrant flavors? My family loves it with some crusty sourdough bread for soaking up the delicious lemon. Is it a match made in heaven? When I need to bring something to a gathering, this is always my first choice because I know that I can’t bring anything to the gathering. I think everyone will enjoy it, and I can easily put it together beforehand. What is it like watching them enjoy it as much as I do?
What are some tips for perfecting your spring salad?
I’ve learned a few tricks that can take this Spring Salad to the next level. What are some tips for perfecting a salad?Strawberry Selection: What areWhat are the best strawberries to buy with a bright red color? Avoid strawberries that are pale or mushy.Avocado Ripeness: Make sure your avocado is ripe but not too soft. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure. If it’s too hard, it won’t have that creamy texture. If it’s too soft, it will be mushy and unpleasant.
Toasting Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or bake them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
Red Onion Mellowing: If you’re sensitive to the sharpness of red onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow out the flavor.
Dressing Emulsification: To ensure that the lemon vinaigrette is well emulsified, whisk it vigorously until it thickens slightly. You can also use an immersion blender for a super smooth dressing.
Ingredient Swaps: Get creative with your ingredients! You can swap out the strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or use goat cheese instead of feta. The possibilities are endless! I did try this once with blackberries and it tasted wonderful. I always recommend experimenting and tweaking recipes to your preference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Spring Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Salad Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The salad will keep for up to 2 days, but the greens may start to wilt slightly.
Dressing Storage: Store the lemon vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake it well before using.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the greens and fruits will become mushy when thawed. The dressing also doesn’t freeze well.
Glaze Timing Advice: As this salad is best consumed fresh it’s best to avoid storing for too long. The flavours are much better fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Spring Salad is truly a celebration of all the fresh, vibrant flavors of the season. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a show-stopping salad for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The incredible taste, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature of this recipe make it one of my absolute favorites. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more delicious and healthy options! I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try the spring salad ingredients and leave a rating to help other home cooks discover this incredible recipe. Happy salad-making!
Spring Salad Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 oz Mixed greens
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 cup Cucumber, sliced
- 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients (see recipe for details) and pour over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
