This Best Spring Salad is a fresh and colorful mix of crunchy veggies and juicy fruits, perfect for brightening up your meal! It’s packed with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing.
On a sunny day, nothing beats a tasty salad like this. I love adding some toasted nuts for crunch, and it’s easy to make a big batch for everyone to enjoy. Salad party time! 🥗🌼
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Greens: I recommend arugula or spinach for their fresh taste. If you’re in a pinch, you could use kale, but you might want to massage it to make it softer. Spring mix is a great option too, providing a variety of leaf textures and flavors.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a lovely crunch. If it’s not in season, green beans can be a good alternative. Just make sure to trim them and blanch quickly, like with asparagus, to keep them bright and crisp.
Radishes: Radishes give a nice peppery kick. If you find them too sharp, you might use sliced cucumbers for a milder taste. Cherry tomatoes are another fun option for added sweetness.
Avocado: I love the creaminess that avocado adds, but if you’re up for something different, try using diced mango or a handful of peas. Both options add freshness and sweetness.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta pairs wonderfully with these ingredients. If you can’t find it, goat cheese offers a similar tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, you could try marinated tofu or nutritional yeast for added taste.
Sunflower Seeds: These add a nutty crunch. Feel free to swap in pumpkin seeds or any nuts you enjoy, like almonds or walnuts. Toasting them slightly enhances their flavor!
How Do You Blanch Asparagus Perfectly?
Blanching asparagus is key for that vibrant green color while keeping it crunchy. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. This helps season the asparagus.
- Prepare a bowl of ice water next to the stove. This is called an ice bath, which stops the cooking process.
- Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s bright green. Don’t overdo it!
- Quickly drain the asparagus and plunge it into the ice bath for a minute. This keeps it crisp and colorful.
- Once cooled, drain again and it’s ready to go into your salad.
Taking these steps guarantees a fresh taste and a beautiful presentation for your salad!
How to Make the Best Spring Salad!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or any preferred nuts)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Spring Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few moments preparing the asparagus and mixing everything together. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Asparagus:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the trimmed asparagus pieces and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and still crispy. After that time, drain the asparagus and plunge it straight into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking and keep them looking fresh. Once cooled, drain again and set them aside.
2. Mixing the Greens:
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, blanched asparagus, and thinly sliced radishes. Give them a gentle toss to mix everything up.
3. Adding the Creamy Ingredients:
Now it’s time to fold in the sliced avocado and chopped scallions gently. Be careful not to mash the avocado; we want it to stay lovely and intact!
4. Sprinkling the Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds. These will add delicious flavor and a nice crunch!
5. Whipping Up the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. Drizzle this fresh dressing over your salad and toss gently to mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the avocado remains whole.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your vibrant Spring Salad is ready to serve! Dish it out and enjoy the fresh flavors that celebrate the season. It’s light, refreshing, and simply delightful!
Can I Use Different Greens in the Salad?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use any leafy greens you like, such as kale, romaine, or even butter lettuce. Just keep in mind that sturdier greens may require a longer salad dressing time to soften slightly.
What if I Don’t Have Asparagus?
No worries! You can substitute asparagus with other crunchy vegetables like blanched green beans, sugar snap peas, or even cucumbers for a refreshing twist. Make sure to keep them bite-sized for easy eating!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Definitely! To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also enhance the salad with roasted chickpeas for added protein and texture!
