Easter Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring. With its colorful combination of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, this salad offers a refreshing option for any occasion. It’s not only ideal for Easter gatherings but also makes a delightful addition to brunches, picnics, or light dinners. The homemade Lemon Honey Vinaigrette ties it all together, elevating the flavors and providing a zesty finish.
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 Vinaigrette
- 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 Standalone Dish
- Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Accompanying Appetizers
- Add a Bread Element
- 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 is an Easter Salad?
- How can I customize my Easter Salad?
- Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
- What other dishes pair well with Easter Salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Easter Salad can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ingredients brings a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or main course; it pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light lunch.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from greens and fruits, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Its colorful ingredients make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Easter Salad preparation smooth sailing, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure that everything from chopping to mixing goes off without a hitch.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or mini food processor
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar: Ideal for shaking salad dressings; ensures even mixing without spills.
- Sheet pan: Perfect for toasting almonds evenly while preventing them from burning.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining your salad ingredients before serving.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Easter Salad:
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 they are fragrant and light brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once done, set aside and allow them to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
To prepare the vinaigrette, measure all of the ingredients into a Mason jar. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a medium bowl or blend them in a mini food processor or blender until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Just before serving, dress with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
This Easter Salad will surely be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy its delightful flavors while celebrating the joys of spring!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that can enhance any spring gathering. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it pairs well with various options to create a memorable meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for brunch: Serve the Easter Salad as a refreshing centerpiece during your spring brunch.
- Light lunch option: Enjoy it on its own for a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Chicken: Grilled chicken adds protein and complements the fruity flavors of the salad.
- Salmon: The richness of grilled salmon balances nicely with the tangy goat cheese.
Accompanying Appetizers
- Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses can elevate your Easter meal when served alongside the salad.
- Deviled eggs: These classic appetizers are always a hit and pair well with the fresh ingredients in the salad.
Add a Bread Element
- Crusty baguette: Slices of warm, crusty bread provide a perfect contrast to the lightness of the salad.
- Garlic knots: These flavorful bites can be an excellent side to round out your Easter meal.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
Creating the perfect Easter Salad involves attention to detail and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to ensure your salad shines:
- Choose fresh ingredients: Use ripe strawberries and crisp greens for the best flavor.
- Toast almonds carefully: Toast them until golden brown, as this enhances their nutty flavor while preventing burning.
- Make vinaigrette ahead: Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette in advance for convenience; it allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve immediately: Toss the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and prevent wilting.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
To complement your Easter Salad, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance its freshness and vibrancy:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and flavor.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This protein-packed side brings earthy notes that harmonize with the salad’s sweetness.
- Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs creates a light, aromatic pairing.
- Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad offers a comforting contrast to the lightness of the Easter Salad.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers create a colorful finger food option.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: These crispy delights are a fun way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easter Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the almonds can lead to a bland flavor. Always toast them until fragrant for added depth.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much vinaigrette can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Using Old Ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your strawberries and greens are fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Neglecting to season your salad can result in dull flavors. Remember to add salt and pepper to enhance every bite.
- Not Layering Properly: Dumping all ingredients together can lead to uneven distribution. Layer them thoughtfully for an eye-catching presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Easter Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as fresh ingredients like strawberries do not thaw well.
- If necessary, you can freeze the vinaigrette separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the salad for about 10 minutes, but it’s best served cold.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds if you need it warm; however, this may wilt greens.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, stirring carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Easter Salad.
What is an Easter Salad?
Easter Salad is a vibrant dish featuring fresh spring ingredients like strawberries, goat cheese, and mixed greens, perfect for festive gatherings.
How can I customize my Easter Salad?
You can add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Consider swapping goat cheese with feta or adding grilled chicken for protein.
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week before using it.
What other dishes pair well with Easter Salad?
Easter Salad complements grilled meats, quiches, or light pasta dishes beautifully. It’s also great alongside other spring sides like roasted vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is not only beautiful but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. With its mix of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe invites customization. Try experimenting with different ingredients, and enjoy this fresh addition to your spring meals!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the spirit of spring. This delightful salad features a beautiful blend of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, making it an ideal centerpiece for Easter gatherings, brunches, or light dinners. The homemade Lemon Honey Vinaigrette adds a zesty finish, perfectly complementing the fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup neutral-flavored oil (sunflower, safflower, or extra-virgin olive oil)
- 5 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a sheet pan and toast for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
- In a Mason jar or bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette. Shake or whisk until well blended.
- In a large mixing bowl, layer the spring greens, sliced strawberries, cooled almonds, and goat cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
