Spring Salad

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a crisp, colorful salad that celebrates the season’s best produce. This spring salad combines tender greens, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy asparagus, making it a refreshing addition to any meal. Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it both a healthy and delicious choice. Let’s dive into this vibrant recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and blanched
• 1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and no cooking time is needed, as the salad is assembled fresh.

Nutritional Value

Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 10g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving and provides a healthy option for your diet.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Begin by washing all the greens thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
3. Trim the asparagus and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Immediately transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
5. Once cooled, chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces.
6. Add the blanched asparagus to the bowl with greens and tomatoes.
7. Slice the radishes thinly and add them to the salad.
8. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
10. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
11. Garnish with sliced almonds and fresh herbs before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily substitute ingredients to fit your taste preferences. For example, swap mixed greens for kale or romaine, use goat cheese instead of feta, or add other seasonal vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.

Serving and Pairings

This spring salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great side dish for a light lunch or dinner. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed fresh, but if you need to keep it longer, you can store the ingredients separately. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh greens.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overcooking the asparagus can make it mushy; aim for tender-crisp.
• Using wilted greens will affect the salad’s freshness.
• Don’t skip the dressing; it enhances all the flavors.
• Cut vegetables uniformly for even flavor distribution.
• Avoid adding salt until just before serving to keep greens crisp.

Helpful Tips

• Use seasonal produce for the best flavor.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing to enhance flavor.
• Experiment with different nuts for added crunch.
• For a protein boost, add grilled shrimp or chickpeas.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Combine just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

What dressing works best with spring salad?

A light vinaigrette, such as balsamic or lemon vinaigrette, complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately to prevent wilting.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans can be added for a hearty meal.

What are some good substitutes for feta cheese?

Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even nutritional yeast can work well as alternatives.

Conclusion

This spring salad is a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this refreshing dish and share it with loved ones for a taste of spring!

Spring Salad

A vibrant and refreshing spring salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus, perfect for any meal.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: spring salad, healthy salad, fresh vegetables, easy recipes

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup asparagus trimmed and blanched
• 1/2 cup radishes thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds optional
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

• Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water.
• In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens and cherry tomatoes.
• Trim the asparagus and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Transfer the asparagus to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
• Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
• Slice the radishes thinly and add to the salad.
• Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top.
• Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
• Garnish with sliced almonds and fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g