Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring. This vibrant salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens, all drizzled with a refreshing Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a versatile choice for various occasions, from Easter brunches to summer picnics. The standout flavors and textures make this Easter Salad a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients – This salad features seasonal produce like strawberries, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Quick Preparation – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a stunning dish ready in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options – Perfect as a side dish or as a light main course for any gathering.
- Flavor Explosion – The combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy elements creates an irresistible taste sensation.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Easter Salad with ease, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your enjoyment.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Sheet pan
- Medium bowl
- Whisk or mini food processor
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar – Great for shaking up your Lemon Honey Vinaigrette quickly and efficiently.
- Sheet pan – Provides even heating when toasting almonds, ensuring they are perfectly golden brown.
- Medium bowl – Ideal for mixing ingredients together without making a mess.
Ingredients
Easter Salad — AKA, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette — is a beautiful, delicious addition to any spring meal. It features sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette!
For the Salad
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
For the Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup sunflower, safflower, OR extra-virgin olive oil (neutral-flavored)
- 5 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus additional to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
How to Make Easter Salad
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Adjust the rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the slivered almonds on a sheet pan and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and light brown. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
To prepare the vinaigrette:
1. Measure all ingredients into a Mason jar.
2. Tightly screw on the lid.
3. Shake vigorously until combined.
Alternatively, you can whisk in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor or blender.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
To assemble your Easter Salad:
1. Layer mixed greens in a large bowl.
2. Add sliced strawberries on top.
3. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds and crumbled goat cheese over it.
4. Just before serving, dress with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette.
5. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Enjoy this vibrant Easter Salad at your next gathering!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a vibrant dish that can brighten up any table during spring gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the salad’s sweetness, making for a balanced meal.
- Lemon Herb Salmon: A refreshing salmon fillet adds richness and pairs beautifully with the lemon vinaigrette.
Serve as a Starter
- Appetizer Size: Present smaller portions of the Easter Salad in individual bowls to kick off a festive meal.
- With Soup: Pair it with a light soup, such as Gazpacho or Spring Vegetable Soup, for a refreshing start.
Enhance with Additional Toppings
- Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for extra texture and healthy fats.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide contrast and can be flavored with herbs to enhance the taste.
Use Different Greens
- Spinach or Arugula: Substitute mixed greens with spinach or arugula for different flavors while maintaining the salad’s freshness.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To create the perfect Easter Salad, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavors and presentation.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries and greens for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Watch the almonds closely while toasting them; burnt nuts alter the taste significantly.
- Make Vinaigrette Ahead: Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette in advance; letting it sit allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Dress Right Before Serving: Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- Customize Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, like feta or blue cheese, if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Easter Salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some top choices you might consider.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a savory crunch that enhances the salad’s sweetness.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs provides protein and makes for a nutritious pairing.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots bring an additional layer of sweetness that harmonizes well with strawberries.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes can balance out the lightness of the salad with their hearty texture.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that contrasts nicely with the creamy goat cheese.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an earthy flavor profile that complements the freshness of your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating an Easter Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Using unripe strawberries: Unripe berries can taste sour. Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Skipping toasted nuts: Raw nuts lack flavor compared to toasted ones. Toast your almonds for a richer taste.
- Not balancing flavors: Ensure a mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. Adjust the vinaigrette to achieve the right balance.
- Preparing too early: Salads can wilt if made too far in advance. Assemble just before serving for freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easter Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh greens and strawberries once thawed.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Not suitable for salads; best served cold or at room temperature.
- Microwave: Not recommended; it will wilt the greens.
- Stovetop: Again, salads are typically enjoyed fresh; no reheating necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding making an Easter Salad.
What makes an Easter Salad special?
An Easter Salad stands out with its colorful ingredients like strawberries and goat cheese, perfect for spring celebrations.
Can I add protein to my Easter Salad?
Yes! Grilled chicken or chickpeas can easily be added for extra protein and heartiness.
How do I make my Lemon Honey Vinaigrette more flavorful?
You can enhance your vinaigrette by adding fresh herbs like basil or mint, which pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
What other greens can I use in my Easter Salad?
Feel free to substitute mixed greens with spinach, arugula, or kale for different textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Salad is not only beautiful but also versatile, making it perfect for spring gatherings or a healthy meal prep option. You can customize it by adding different fruits or nuts according to your taste. Enjoy creating your delightful version!
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the spirit of spring. This delightful salad is a harmonious blend of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all beautifully arranged on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, this salad not only looks stunning but also bursts with flavor. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or enjoying a summer picnic, this versatile salad is sure to impress your guests. Quick to prepare and packed with seasonal ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- ½ cup olive oil
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread slivered almonds on a sheet pan and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a Mason jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake vigorously until well combined.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens and top with sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
