Spring salad with homemade lemon vinaigrette celebrates seasonal produce in a refreshing, nutritious dish. This vibrant salad combines crisp vegetables, herbs, and a bright citrus dressing that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Salad
This spring salad isn’t just beautiful—it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties. The homemade lemon vinaigrette elevates simple ingredients into something special, while the combination of crunchy vegetables provides satisfying texture. Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining. You’ll appreciate how this salad adapts to whatever fresh produce you have available.
Spring Salad Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, baby spinach, butter lettuce)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved
- 8-10 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint, dill, basil), chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or pistachios
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tools Used to Make Spring Salad
- Large salad bowl
- Small whisk or fork for dressing
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Citrus zester or microplane
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs for serving
How to Make Spring Salad
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Trim and halve snap peas, slice radishes and cucumber thinly, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens with prepared vegetables and herbs.
- Dress and finish: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts just before serving.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Variations of Spring Salad
- Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for a more substantial meal.
- Vegan Option: Skip the feta and substitute with avocado slices or your favorite plant-based cheese.
- Grain Bowl: Transform this into a complete meal by adding quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat.
- Winter Version: Substitute seasonal winter vegetables like roasted beets, butternut squash, and kale.
- Fruit Addition: Add strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches for a sweet contrast.
Serving Spring Salad
Serve this vibrant spring salad immediately after dressing to maintain optimal texture and freshness. For an elegant presentation, arrange on a large platter rather than tossing everything together. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, crusty bread, or as part of a larger buffet spread. If bringing to a potluck, transport dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spring salad ahead of time? Prepare all components separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store prepped vegetables and greens in the refrigerator with a damp paper towel. Mix the dressing and keep it separate until ready to serve.
How long does the lemon vinaigrette last? The homemade dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and shake well before using.
What can I substitute for feta cheese? Goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan work wonderfully. For a dairy-free option, try avocado slices or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this spring salad is naturally gluten-free as written.
Final Thoughts
This spring salad with zesty lemon vinaigrette celebrates the season’s freshest produce in a simple yet elegant dish. Try it today and bring vibrant flavors to your table—don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below!
More Recipes to Try!
- Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- California Turkey Club Wraps
- Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
- Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad Recipe
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Creamy Bruschetta Dip Recipe
- Whipped Ricotta Hot Honey Dip
- Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
- Breakfast Grilled Cheese
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