Spring Fling Salad with Lemonherb Vinaigrette
Recipe Introduction: Spring Fling Salad
Fancy a taste of sunshine on a plate? Honestly, who doesn't? This spring salad is exactly that! It's packed with fresh flavours and vibrant colours.
Think light spring lunch meets a garden party salad . It's a little bit fancy, but totally easy to make.
What's the Deal With This Salad?
This isn't just any old salad. This spring salad celebrates all those amazing fresh ingredients bursting into life right now! The whole thing started by the search for some spring salad recipes , and landed up with this asparagus salad .
It's super simple, too! We're talking about 25 minutes from start to finish. You'll get four servings. It's honestly a piece of cake.
Or should I say, a piece of spring greens salad ?
Why You'll Love This Salad (and so will your mates)
Firstly, it's good for ya. Think vitamins and nutrients galore! Plus, it's the perfect centrepiece for a summer lunch. I reckon it is a good way to have a healthy and light meal.
Honestly? The best part is the lemon herb vinaigrette . Oh my gosh, it's zingy and fresh, and it ties everything together perfectly.
It makes this recipe special. This recipe might even convince your most veg-phobic mate to eat a salad. We can even make it a vegan spring salad for the plant based lifestyle folks.
The Star Ingredients
Right, let's talk ingredients. You are going to need mixed baby greens, fresh spring vegetables , asparagus, sweet peas, radishes, and avocado.
For the lemon herb vinaigrette , you'll need olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey.
Simple.
Right then, let's talk about the magic behind this spring salad . It’s not just chucking a load of leaves in a bowl, you know? It's about the right ingredients, the right flavors, and a teeny bit of cheffy know how.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Spring Salad Recipes
Okay, so here’s the lineup for our amazing Spring Fling Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette :
- 5 oz (140g) mixed baby greens. Go for a good spring greens salad mix - the more colours, the better!
- 1 pound (450g) asparagus. Quality indicator : they should be firm and bright green.
- 1 cup (150g) sweet peas. Fresh are best, but frozen (thawed) work a treat.
- 4 radishes. Nice and crunchy!
- 1 ripe avocado. It needs to be creamy, not rock solid.
- ¼ cup (25g) each of fresh parsley and mint. This really makes a difference!
- Optional: 2 ounces (55g) crumbled goat cheese or feta. For that extra tang, innit?
For our zesty lemon herb vinaigrette :
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Splurge a bit here; it's worth it.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice. Bottled just won't cut it, honestly.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) white wine vinegar. Adds a lovely zing.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh chives. Adds that lovely bit of flavour!
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. For a bit of kick.
- 1 clove garlic, minced. Don't be shy!
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional). For a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Seasoning Notes: Elevating Our Garden Party Salad
Forget boring! This spring salad is all about flavor.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Keep it simple! Lemon, herbs, and a touch of garlic are your best friends.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Fresh herbs are key . Seriously, they make all the difference.
- Quick Substitution Options: No chives? Spring onions are your friend.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple for Easy Salad Recipes
Don't worry; you don't need a fancy kitchen to make this. This is a simple easy salad recipes .
- Large bowl. For tossing everything together.
- Small bowl or jar with a lid. For the vinaigrette.
- Pot. For blanching asparagus, if you fancy it.
- Slotted spoon. For getting the asparagus out of the water.
- Whisk or fork. To get that vinaigrette all nice and emulsified.
Honestly, making this pea and radish salad is a breeze. It is the perfect light spring lunch . The lemon herb vinaigrette with that sweet peas and radishes salad makes it all the more refreshing! Now, get cracking!
Spring Fling Salad: Your New Favourite Easy Salad Recipes
Honestly, when the weather starts warming up, I ditch the heavy stuff. I crave something light, bright, and bursting with flavour.
That’s where this Spring Fling Salad comes in. It's inspired by my love for fresh spring vegetables and it's so easy, even I can’t mess it up.
Plus, it looks totally amazing, perfect for a garden party salad ! Forget boring salads this one’s a winner.
Prep Like a Pro for Spring Salad Recipes
Before you even think about touching a lettuce leaf, let's get organised. This mise en place business is key. Chop your veg, measure your dressing ingredients, and generally get your act together.
Trust me, you'll thank me later. Speaking of safety, watch those fingers when you're wielding a knife, yeah? It's not worth a trip to A&E for a spring salad .
Spring Fling Salad: step-by-step Simplicity
- Blanch the Asparagus (Optional): Plunge that asparagus into boiling salted water for only 1- 2 minutes . Immediately dunk into an ice bath. This keeps it bright green. I sometimes skip this for speed!
- Whip Up the Vinaigrette: In a jar, chuck in olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, chives, mustard, garlic, honey (if you're feeling sweet), salt, and pepper. Shake it like a Polaroid picture!
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: In a big bowl, combine your baby greens, asparagus, peas, radishes, avocado, parsley and mint. This is where the magic happens.
- Dress to Impress: Drizzle that gorgeous
lemon herb vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t drown it! - Serve and Enjoy: Top with goat cheese or feta if you fancy it, or if you're after a
vegan spring salad , skip it altogether! Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Your Spring Salad
Want to take your salad game to the next level? Here's my two cents.
- Don't Overdress: Nobody likes a soggy salad. Start small with the dressing.
- Fresh is King: The fresher the ingredients, the better it tastes. Especially when making
pea and radish salad ! - Make it Ahead: The vinaigrette can be made days in advance. Just store it in the fridge.
It's a perfect choice for a
light spring lunch or a side to your barbecue.
Recipe Notes for Your Spring Fling Salad
Alright, you've got the recipe for my Spring Fling Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette . Now, let's chat about a few extras, shall we? These tips are all about making this easy salad recipe even more scrummy and totally you .
How to Serve Your Garden Party Salad
Presentation is key, darling! Think of this salad as a little work of art. Arrange it nicely on a chilled plate.
A sprinkle of edible flowers? Oh my gosh, yes! This spring salad is so simple, plating it with flair is next level.
As for what to serve it with? This salad is banging as a side with grilled salmon or chicken. It's also amazing as a light spring lunch .
Pair it with a crusty baguette. And a glass of crisp white wine chef's kiss .
Storing That Fresh Spring Vegetables Goodness
Right, so you've got leftovers? No worries! Pop the salad in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for a day or two.
But honestly, it's best served fresh. The lemon herb vinaigrette might make it a bit soggy if it sits too long.
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it, love. The spring greens salad will lose their lovely texture. Best to enjoy it within a couple of days!
Reheating isn't really a thing with salad, is it?
Jazzing Up Your Spring Salad Recipes
Fancy a little twist? Ditch the goat cheese for a vegan spring salad version. Use maple syrup in the lemon herb vinaigrette instead of honey. Sorted!
Or maybe you want to swap things around based on what's in season? Go for it. Asparagus salad is a classic.
But you could easily swap in some sugar snap peas or broad beans. Whatever tickles your fancy. If you want to make Pea and Radish Salad substitute the asparagus with it.
Little Bit About Health
Okay, let's talk numbers. This salad is packed with nutrients! We're talking vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The lemon juice is great for boosting your immune system.
The avocado is full of healthy fats. So, you can tuck in and feel good about it.
Each serving has around 250-350 calories. It's a light, healthy, and delicious way to get your greens. Honestly , what's not to love?
So there you have it. All the deets you need to nail this recipe. Now go forth and create the perfect spring salad ! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spring salad ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components ahead! The vinaigrette can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy. No one wants a sad, wilted salad at their garden party!
What are some good substitutions for ingredients I don't have on hand?
Don't fret if you're missing a few bits and bobs! If you haven't got radishes, thinly sliced cucumber or jicama work a treat. For a spring salad variation, you could swap the asparagus for green beans or sugar snap peas.
And if fresh herbs are scarce, a teaspoon of dried herbs like Italian seasoning will add a similar flavour profile to the vinaigrette just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less!
How do I store leftover spring salad?
Honestly, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the greens may wilt slightly, and the avocado might brown a bit, so it's best to eat it within a day or two.
It might not be quite as sprightly as when it was first made, but it will still be jolly tasty!
Is this spring salad recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This Spring Fling Salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from all the lovely fresh veggies. Avocado provides healthy fats, and the lemon herb vinaigrette is a lighter alternative to creamy dressings.
It's a brilliant way to get your five-a-day and feel good about what you're eating a win-win, really!
Can I add protein to make it a more substantial meal?
You bet! Adding protein will transform this from a side into a satisfying main course. Grilled chicken or salmon would be delicious, or for a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or even some hard boiled eggs. Think of it as "pimping" your spring salad to suit your needs!
How long should I blanch the asparagus?
When blanching asparagus, aim for just 1-2 minutes in boiling water. You want it to be bright green and slightly tender crisp, not mushy. Immediately plunging it into an ice bath stops the cooking process and preserves that perfect texture. Nobody wants soggy asparagus that's just not cricket!
Spring Fling Salad With Lemonherb Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 6g |
