A Crisp and Flavorful Salad to Welcome Spring
As the days get longer and the air turns warmer, fresh, crisp salads become the perfect way to enjoy the season’s bounty. This cool spring salad is packed with vibrant colors, refreshing textures, and a bright lemon-herb dressing that ties everything together beautifully.
Spring greens, crunchy radishes, and sweet peas are the stars of this dish, complemented by creamy goat cheese, nutty almonds, and a hint of fresh mint. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a base for a protein-packed meal, this salad will bring a burst of spring to your table.
Bright Cool Spring Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 cup sugar snap peas trimmed and halved
- ½ cup radishes thinly sliced
- 1 cup English cucumber thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves torn
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by washing and drying your greens thoroughly. A salad spinner works best for this, but if you don’t have one, gently pat the greens dry with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the radishes and cucumber into thin rounds, and trim and halve the sugar snap peas. Tearing the mint leaves instead of chopping them helps release their aroma without bruising them.
- Step 2: Toast the Almonds
- Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch. Simply heat a small dry skillet over medium heat, add the sliced almonds, and stir frequently for about 3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
- Step 3: Make the Lemon-Herb Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. If using a jar, simply add all the ingredients, secure the lid, and shake well.
- Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the spring greens, sugar snap peas, radishes, and cucumber. Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add the crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds, and torn mint leaves on top.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, with the remaining dressing on the side for those who want an extra drizzle. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even a slice of crusty bread for a light yet satisfying meal.
Notes
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using. What other cheeses work well in this salad?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta, Parmesan shavings, or fresh mozzarella. Each adds a unique taste and texture. Is this salad kid-friendly?
Absolutely! For kids, you can chop the vegetables into smaller pieces or swap radishes for something milder like shredded carrots. What protein goes well with this salad?
Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, chickpeas, or even tofu all work wonderfully with this fresh, lemony salad.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
1. Fresh Seasonal Ingredients
Spring is all about fresh, delicate flavors. This salad highlights tender baby greens, crisp radishes, and juicy cucumbers, creating a beautiful contrast of textures. The combination of fresh herbs and zesty dressing ensures every bite is bright and refreshing.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep
This salad holds up well when stored properly, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Simply keep the dressing separate until serving, and you’ll have a crisp, delicious salad ready to go whenever you need it.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
With minimal chopping and no cooking required, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s an ideal last-minute side dish or a light meal when paired with protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
4. Light Yet Satisfying
Despite its light and refreshing nature, this salad is surprisingly satisfying thanks to the mix of fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats from almonds and goat cheese, and protein from peas. It’s balanced and nourishing while keeping things bright and fresh.
5. Customizable and Dietary-Friendly
This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, but it can be easily modified to fit different dietary needs. Want a vegan version? Swap out the goat cheese for avocado or a plant-based cheese alternative. Looking for extra protein? Add grilled salmon, chicken, or chickpeas.
