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A vibrant bowl of fresh spring salads with mixed greens, strawberries, asparagus, and a light vinaigrette.

Sunshine Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This recipe celebrates the fresh, tender flavors of spring with crisp vegetables, a bright lemon vinaigrette, and a delightful mix of textures. It's a light yet satisfying salad that's simple to prepare and perfect as a vibrant side dish or a standalone light lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Light Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 275

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ounces mixed spring greens like butter lettuce, baby spinach, and oak leaf
  • 1/2 bunch asparagus, tough ends snapped off
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds such as sliced almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Bowl for ice bath
  • Small bowl or glass jar with a lid
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Salad spinner
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving platter or individual bowls
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then set aside.
  2. Blanch the Vegetables: Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water. Add the asparagus to the boiling water and cook for 60-90 seconds until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to the ice water with a slotted spoon to stop the cooking. Once cool, remove, pat dry, and cut into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh peas, blanch them for 60 seconds in the same water. If using frozen peas, simply thaw them.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the thoroughly dried spring greens, the blanched and chopped asparagus, the peas, and the thinly sliced radishes. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
  4. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss with hands or salad tongs to lightly coat every leaf. Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle the crumbled feta and toasted nuts over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

General Tips: Don't dress the salad in advance to prevent wilting. Season the greens with a tiny pinch of salt before dressing to enhance their flavor. The dressing can be made up to a week ahead, and vegetables can be blanched a day or two in advance for quick assembly.
Variations: For a complete meal, add hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or cooked grains like quinoa. Fresh strawberries or blueberries can add a touch of sweetness.
Substitutions: Goat cheese or shaved Parmesan can replace feta. Sugar snap peas or blanched green beans can be used instead of asparagus. Champagne or white wine vinegar can substitute for lemon juice. Any toasted nut or seed will work well.