Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for spring gatherings or holiday celebrations. With its delightful blend of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, this salad brings a burst of flavor to your table. Its bright colors and delicious taste make it an ideal choice for Easter brunch or any festive occasion.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- For the Dressing
- How to Make Easter Salad
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
- Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- How to Serve Easter Salad
- As a Main Dish
- Pair with Grilled Meats
- Add to a Brunch Buffet
- Serve with Crusty Bread
- How to Perfect Easter Salad
- Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easter Salad
- Reheating Easter Salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes an Easter Salad special?
- Can I customize my Easter Salad?
- How do I make a vegan version of Easter Salad?
- What can I serve with Easter Salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Packed with seasonal produce, this salad offers a burst of freshness in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking, you can whip up this dish in just 20 minutes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Low in calories yet high in flavor, it’s a guilt-free addition to your spring menu.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or fruits to personalize the salad to your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Easter Salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These will help streamline the process, ensuring that you enjoy every moment of preparing this delightful dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or blender
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar: Perfect for shaking up the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting almonds evenly and ensuring they achieve that perfect golden brown color.
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 Dressing
- 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. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside and allow them 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 everything is thoroughly combined.
Alternatively, whisk together in a medium bowl or blend ingredients in a mini food processor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
To assemble your Easter Salad:
1. In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
2. Just before serving, dress with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette.
3. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Enjoy your vibrant Easter Salad as part of your festive feast!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is not just a beautiful dish; it’s also versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience when serving this vibrant salad.
As a Main Dish
- Serve it as a light main course for lunch or dinner. The combination of greens, strawberries, and goat cheese provides enough sustenance while keeping the meal fresh and flavorful.
Pair with Grilled Meats
- This salad complements grilled chicken or shrimp perfectly. The tangy Lemon Honey Vinaigrette balances the smoky flavors of grilled proteins.
Add to a Brunch Buffet
- Easter Salad makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Its bright colors and refreshing taste will attract guests and elevate the overall meal.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Pairing this salad with a side of crusty bread adds texture and makes for a satisfying meal. Consider offering a selection of artisan loaves to enhance the experience.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To ensure your Easter Salad shines at your table, follow these tips for perfection.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe strawberries and crisp greens for the best flavor and presentation.
- Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep an eye on your almonds in the oven; they can go from toasted to burnt quickly!
- Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette in advance to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix different types of greens such as arugula or spinach for added variety.
- Serve Immediately: Toss the salad with dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: Experiment by incorporating other seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for extra sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Easter Salad with these delicious side dishes that complement its vibrant flavors.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots roasted with honey make for a delightful pairing.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a crunchy texture alongside the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf brings additional protein and heartiness to the table.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs is a perfect lighter side option that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks add an indulgent touch that everyone will love.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a creamy counterpoint, making them an ideal complement at any spring gathering.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet potatoes provide comfort alongside the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits makes for a refreshing contrast and rounds out your meal beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating an Easter Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Using unripe strawberries: Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Check for firmness and vibrant color when selecting.
- Forgetting texture balance: A good salad needs crunch. Incorporate ingredients like nuts or seeds to complement softer elements like cheese or fruits.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t neglect to season your salad adequately. A pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper can elevate flavors significantly.
- Preparing too far in advance: Assemble your salad close to serving time to maintain freshness and texture, especially with dressings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salad in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of greens and strawberries once thawed.
- If necessary, only freeze the vinaigrette separately.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the components briefly; avoid overheating.
- Microwave: Use low power for short intervals; this is best for individual portions.
- Stovetop: Heat lightly in a pan, mixing gently until warmed without cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making an Easter Salad, here are some common inquiries:
What makes an Easter Salad special?
An Easter Salad combines fresh spring produce with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for spring celebrations.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite fruits, nuts, or even proteins like chicken or shrimp.
How do I make a vegan version of Easter Salad?
Replace goat cheese with avocado or a nut-based cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
What can I serve with Easter Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, quiches, or as part of a buffet spread during holiday gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is not just visually appealing; it’s also packed with flavors that celebrate spring. With its versatility, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of fresh ingredients!
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Easter Salad
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this delightful Easter Salad, a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or brunches. This salad features sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens, all drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Not only is it visually appealing with its bright colors, but it also offers a refreshing burst of flavor that everyone will love. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a side dish or as a light main course. Customize it to your taste by adding your favorite nuts or fruits for an extra flavor twist!
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a Mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients (oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper) and shake well.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
