Spring Salad – Best Seasonal Recipe

Spring Salad captures everything wonderful about the season — crisp, colorful vegetables, tender greens, and a light, zesty dressing. This dish highlights spring’s finest produce — asparagus, snow peas, and peas — tossed with baby cos lettuce and creamy goat cheese. It’s elegant, refreshing, and simple to prepare, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

Why This Spring Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This Spring Salad stands out for its vibrant mix of blanched and raw ingredients that deliver both crunch and freshness. Each bite offers a balance of earthy greens and tangy cheese, brought together by a bright lemon dressing. It’s a healthy, versatile recipe that can complement grilled meats, roasted fish, or pasta dishes. Beyond its beauty, this salad’s simplicity makes it accessible for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Spring Salad

Each ingredient plays a role in making this salad both flavorful and visually appealing. Here’s what goes in:

• Asparagus: Adds a mild earthiness and beautiful color; blanched for a tender-crisp texture.
• Snow Peas: Contribute crunch and sweetness that balance the richness of cheese.
• Peas: Offer bursts of freshness and a pop of green in every bite.
• Baby Cos Lettuce: Provides structure and a gentle bitterness that complements the dressing.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Brightens the salad with an aromatic freshness.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: Bring acidity and brightness to the dressing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Balance and enhance the overall flavor.

Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

If you’re missing something or want to adjust for dietary preferences, try these easy alternatives:

• Cheese: Swap goat cheese for feta, fresh mozzarella, bocconcini, or ricotta. Each option brings a different level of creaminess.
• Greens: Replace baby cos with baby spinach, rocket (arugula), kale, or mixed greens for a twist.
• Peas: Fresh or frozen peas both work perfectly — the key is not to overcook them.
• Add-ins: Try roasted nuts or seeds for added crunch or sprinkle microgreens for a gourmet touch.

How to Make Spring Salad Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the snow peas and cook for 1½ minutes. Next, add the asparagus spears and boil for another 1½ minutes. Finish with the peas and cook just until the water returns to a simmer and the peas turn bright green, about 30 seconds.
2. Cool and Dry:
   Drain immediately and refresh under cold running water to stop the cooking. Pat the asparagus and snow peas dry with paper towels. Let the peas drain well in a colander, tossing occasionally to remove excess moisture.
3. Prep the Lettuce:
   Split larger baby cos leaves in half and keep smaller ones whole. This gives the salad beautiful layers and texture.
4. Cut and Combine:
   Slice the asparagus on a slight angle. Combine all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
5. Make the Dressing:
   Shake lemon zest, juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small jar until emulsified.
6. Assemble the Salad:
   Toss the vegetables lightly with the lemon dressing. Arrange the mixture on a platter, top with chunks of goat cheese, and scatter mint leaves over the top. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Expert Tips for the Best Spring Salad

• Don’t skip drying the vegetables. Wet greens will water down the dressing and prevent it from coating evenly.
• Blanch carefully. Overcooked vegetables lose their snap and vibrant color — aim for “tender-crisp.”
• Use a salad spinner gently to remove moisture, or let the vegetables air dry naturally.
• Dress just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the cheese creamy.
• Add texture. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Delicious Pairings and Serving Ideas

Spring Salad complements almost any main course. Try pairing it with:

• Honey Garlic Chicken for a light, savory combo.
• Crispy Skin Salmon or any seared fish for a restaurant-style meal.
• BBQ Brisket or grilled steak to balance hearty flavors with freshness.
• Creamy Pasta Dishes like lemon butter linguine for a cozy yet bright dinner.

For variations, consider adding roasted vegetables, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of parmesan. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until right before serving to maintain the perfect crunch.

Seasonal and Nutritional Benefits

Spring Salad isn’t just pretty — it’s packed with nutrients. The asparagus and peas provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The olive oil adds healthy fats, while goat cheese contributes calcium and protein. Enjoying this salad in spring means using vegetables at their peak — flavorful, affordable, and full of natural goodness.

Conclusion

This Spring Salad is the perfect way to celebrate the freshness and color of the season. Combining crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and delicate lettuce with creamy goat cheese and a bright lemon dressing, it’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a side at dinner, it brings a burst of freshness to any table. The balance of textures and flavors makes it satisfying yet refreshing — proof that simple, seasonal ingredients can create something truly elegant. Enjoy this Spring Salad whenever you want a healthy, vibrant meal that embodies the very best of spring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Salad

More Relevant Recipes

• Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Salad Dressing: This light and tangy dressing combines the sweetness of honey with the brightness of lemon juice, making it a perfect complement to any Spring Salad. Its fresh citrus flavor enhances greens, asparagus, and peas for a balanced finish.
• Christmas Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing: A colorful, festive salad that features crisp greens, nuts, and fruit drizzled with a zesty honey mustard dressing. Similar to the Spring Salad, it’s a vibrant and refreshing choice for seasonal gatherings.
• Easy Healthy Vegetable Frittata: Packed with fresh spring vegetables and herbs, this light frittata offers a satisfying protein-rich companion to the Spring Salad. Perfect for brunch or a balanced lunch plate filled with seasonal flavors.

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