Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly complements any spring gathering. This vibrant salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds on a bed of fresh mixed greens. Drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for Easter brunch, picnics, or even as a light dinner, this salad brings a touch of elegance to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad comes together effortlessly.
- Colorful and Inviting: The bright colors of strawberries and greens make this dish visually appealing.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of goat cheese.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite protein for added heartiness.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this Easter Salad is both delicious and nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get cooking, gather your essential tools to make the preparation smooth and easy.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Mason jar (or whisk)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting slivered almonds evenly.
- Mason jar: Ideal for shaking up the vinaigrette quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your Easter Salad:
Greens and Fruits
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
Cheese and Nuts
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Dressing Components
- 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 baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and light brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a Mason jar, combine:
1. 1/2 cup sunflower oil
2. 5 tablespoons lemon juice
3. 2 tablespoons honey
4. 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
5. Freshly ground black pepper
Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until well combined. Alternatively, whisk in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer:
1. Mixed greens,
2. Sliced strawberries,
3. Toasted slivered almonds,
4. Crumbled goat cheese.
Just before serving, drizzle with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Enjoy your refreshing Easter Salad!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that can elevate any spring gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful salad.
Individual Bowls
- Serve in small bowls for a charming presentation, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion of the Easter Salad.
Family Style
- Present the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. This encourages sharing and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves.
With Grilled Proteins
- Pair the Easter Salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. The lightness of the salad complements the smoky flavor of grilled meats beautifully.
As a Side Dish
- Serve the Easter Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside your main course, especially during festive dinners or brunches.
Garnished with Edible Flowers
- Enhance the visual appeal by adding edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums on top. This adds color and a touch of elegance to your presentation.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To create an unforgettable Easter Salad, consider these helpful tips for ensuring maximum flavor and appeal.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe strawberries and fresh greens for the best taste and texture.
- Toast Nuts Lightly: Toasting almonds enhances their flavor. Be careful not to overcook them; they should be golden brown.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, chill your greens and dressing before serving.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness of your vinaigrette with more lemon juice or honey according to your taste preference.
- Add Variety: Mix in other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.
- Customize Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, try feta or blue cheese as alternative toppings for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Easter Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this vibrant salad.
- Roasted Spring Vegetables: Toss asparagus, carrots, and radishes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a warm, comforting side that’s perfect for dipping into vinaigrettes.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa dish mixed with herbs and lemon zest offers a nutritious boost that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are an easy-to-make appetizer that adds protein and pairs nicely with lighter dishes.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed in honey make for a delightful contrast to the tangy flavors of the salad.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses alongside crackers offers guests options to nibble on before diving into their salads.
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers made from seasonal fruits add sweetness and are great for mingling at gatherings.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that balances out lighter meals like Easter Salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Easter Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can impact the dish’s flavor and presentation. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using stale ingredients: Freshness is crucial for this salad. Always use ripe strawberries and fresh greens for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much vinaigrette can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed, tossing gently.
- Not toasting the almonds: Toasting enhances the flavor of slivered almonds. Bake them until fragrant and light brown for a richer taste.
- Skipping the salt and pepper: These seasonings elevate all flavors in the salad. Don’t forget to add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Preparing in advance: While some components can be prepped ahead, assembling right before serving keeps everything crisp and fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The salad will keep well for up to 2 days, but the greens may wilt over time.
Freezing Easter Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients that don’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm gently if needed, but salads are best served fresh.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it can make greens limp.
- Stovetop: Not applicable; salads are generally enjoyed cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing your Easter Salad.
What is an Easter Salad?
Easter Salad is a vibrant dish featuring strawberries, goat cheese, and mixed greens, topped with a delightful Lemon Honey Vinaigrette.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor and nutrition.
How long does it take to prepare Easter Salad?
The prep time for this Easter Salad is just about 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy spring dish.
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes! The Lemon Honey Vinaigrette can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your salad.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile. With its combination of sweet strawberries and creamy goat cheese, it brings joy to any spring meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Try this refreshing recipe at your next gathering; you won’t be disappointed!
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Easter Salad is a stunning and flavorful dish that captures the essence of spring. This delightful salad features a colorful medley of fresh mixed greens, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tied together with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Perfect for Easter brunch or any spring gathering, this salad not only looks beautiful on the table but also delivers a burst of fresh flavors in every bite. With its quick preparation time and healthy ingredients, it’s an elegant yet easy addition to your festive meals.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup sunflower or olive oil
- 5 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly brown. Set aside.
- In a Mason jar, combine oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
