Spring Vegetable Salad Recipes for Fresh and Easy Meals

Spring is the perfect season to enjoy fresh, vibrant vegetables bursting with flavor and color. As the weather warms up, our palates crave lighter, refreshing meals that celebrate the bounty of the season.

One of the best ways to do this is through a delicious spring vegetable salad that combines crisp greens, tender asparagus, sweet peas, and crunchy radishes. This salad not only looks beautiful on your plate but also offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will brighten up any lunch or dinner.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a quick weekday lunch, or a side dish for your dinner party, spring vegetable salads are versatile and easy to customize. The natural sweetness of young vegetables paired with a zesty dressing makes this salad a standout.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and perfect for those seeking a healthy, plant-based meal. Let’s dive into some fantastic recipes that celebrate spring vegetables in their freshest form!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spring vegetable salad is a celebration of the season’s freshest produce, delivering a crisp, refreshing bite with every forkful. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking, mostly relying on fresh, raw ingredients that retain their natural crunch and flavor.

The salad is not only visually stunning but also nutritionally balanced, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat clean, boost their energy, or simply enjoy a light yet satisfying dish.

Plus, it’s suitable for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by adjusting the dressing.

If you love experimenting with fresh ingredients, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of this salad. You can swap vegetables based on availability, add your favorite herbs, or even toss in some grains or nuts for extra texture and protein.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed spring greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce)
• 1 cup fresh asparagus tips, trimmed and blanched
• 1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed and sliced
• 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh peas (shelled or frozen and thawed)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced or slivered
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for vegetarians, omit for vegan)
• For the dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl for dressing
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Knife and cutting board
• Pot for blanching asparagus and peas
• Colander or strainer
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Rinse all fresh vegetables thoroughly. Trim the asparagus tips and slice the sugar snap peas and radishes thinly. Shell the peas if using fresh.
2. Blanch asparagus and peas: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus tips and peas to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and retain crunch. Drain well.
3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, blanched asparagus, peas, sliced sugar snap peas, radishes, chopped mint, and parsley.
5. Add the dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the top of the salad.
7. Serve immediately: Enjoy this salad fresh to maintain its crunch and vibrant flavors. It pairs well with a light white wine or iced herbal tea.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, use seasonal vegetables picked fresh from your local farmer’s market or garden.

• Make it vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add grains: For a heartier meal, toss in cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous.
• Change up the nuts: Substitute toasted almonds with walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for different textures.
• Use different herbs: Try basil, dill, or tarragon to give the salad a unique herbal note.
• Include edible flowers: Add nasturtiums or pansies for a beautiful, spring-inspired presentation.
• Try a creamy dressing: Blend avocado or vegan yogurt into the dressing for richness without heaviness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This spring vegetable salad shines as a stand-alone light lunch or as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled fish, chicken, or tofu. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm grain bowl for a more substantial meal.

For a picnic or potluck, pack the dressing separately and toss the salad just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of homemade chili powder for a subtle kick of heat.

Looking for more fresh and healthy meal ideas? Check out our Best Vegan Salad Bowl Recipes for Fresh Healthy Meals for inspiration!

Delicious Spring Vegetable Salad Recipes to Try

Asparagus and Pea Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This salad features tender blanched asparagus and sweet peas tossed with fresh herbs and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It’s a light and refreshing side dish perfect for springtime gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and blanched
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch asparagus and peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water.
2. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Toss asparagus, peas, and mint with dressing.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Radish and Spring Greens Salad with Toasted Almonds

This crunchy salad combines peppery radishes with tender spring greens and toasted almonds for a satisfying texture contrast. A honey mustard dressing adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mixed spring greens
• 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Combine greens and radishes in a large bowl.
2. Whisk olive oil, mustard, and honey to make dressing.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle almonds on top before serving.

Spring Vegetable Salad with Quinoa and Herbs

For a more filling option, add cooked quinoa to your spring vegetable salad. This recipe also includes peas, asparagus, fresh herbs, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a rich, creamy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 cup blanched asparagus tips
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley and mint
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, asparagus, peas, and herbs.
3. Add dressing and toss thoroughly.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Explore more nourishing vegetarian choices like our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or dive into wholesome grain-based dishes with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

Spring vegetable salads are a fantastic way to celebrate the season’s freshest produce while enjoying a meal that is both healthy and delicious. These recipes highlight the crisp textures and vibrant flavors of spring’s bounty, making your meals feel light yet satisfying.

With simple preparation and flexible ingredients, you can easily customize these salads to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a stunning salad to impress guests, these spring vegetable salad recipes will become staples in your kitchen. Remember to use fresh, seasonal ingredients and experiment with herbs and dressings to keep your salads exciting.

Enjoy the taste of spring in every bite!

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