Easter Salad
Easter Salad is the perfect dish to celebrate springtime gatherings. This vibrant salad combines juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds on a bed of fresh mixed greens, all drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Not only does it look stunning on any table, but it also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Serve this Easter Salad at brunch, picnics, or family dinners for a refreshing side that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy goat cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or side dish for various occasions from Easter brunch to summer barbecues.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both delicious and good for you.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the vinaigrette in advance for even quicker assembly.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Easter Salad, having the right tools can make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mason jar
- Baking sheet
- Medium bowl
- Whisk or mini food processor
Importance of Each Tool
- Mason jar: Ideal for shaking up the vinaigrette quickly without making a mess.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting almonds evenly in the oven.
- Medium bowl: Great for mixing ingredients together before serving.
Ingredients
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 your oven to 350°F. Spread the slivered almonds evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once done, set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a Mason jar, combine all vinaigrette ingredients: sunflower oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until well mixed. Alternatively, whisk together in a medium bowl or blend using a mini food processor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer the mixed spring greens followed by sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Just before serving, drizzle with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.
This Easter Salad is now ready to impress your guests! Enjoy the fresh flavors of spring with every bite.
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a delightful dish that can brighten up any spring table. Here are some creative ways to serve this beautiful salad.
Pair with Grilled Proteins
- Chicken Skewers: Marinated and grilled chicken skewers complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy grilled shrimp adds a touch of elegance and pairs well with the lemon vinaigrette.
Add Some Crunch
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side for a satisfying crunch.
- Pita Chips: For a fun twist, include pita chips for dipping into extra vinaigrette or hummus.
Create a Buffet Style
- Individual Bowls: Set up a buffet-style arrangement where guests can serve themselves. This encourages customization and interaction.
- Add Extra Toppings: Provide additional toppings like avocados, sunflower seeds, or feta cheese for guests to personalize their salad.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To elevate your Easter Salad, consider these helpful tips for perfecting every bite.
- flavors in vinaigrette: Use fresh herbs or garlic in your vinaigrette to enhance its flavor profile.
- Fresh ingredients: Always choose the freshest strawberries and greens for the best taste and texture.
- Toast nuts properly: Toast your slivered almonds just until golden brown for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Chill your greens: Keep your mixed greens in the refrigerator before assembling to ensure freshness and crispness.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Complementing your Easter Salad with the right side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection enhances the spring theme.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs add protein and are always a favorite at gatherings.
- Spring Pea Risotto: Creamy risotto with fresh peas brings comfort and sophistication to your meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs provides a healthy, gluten-free option that pairs well with salads.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet honey-glazed carrots add a pop of color and sweetness that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Potato Salad: A light potato salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette can be a hearty addition without overwhelming the palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easter Salad can be simple, but a few common mistakes can spoil your dish’s flavor and presentation. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the Toasting: Not toasting the almonds can lead to bland flavors. Toasting enhances their taste and crunch.
- Using Unripe Strawberries: Choosing unripe strawberries will affect the sweetness. Always select ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best results.
- Dressing Too Early: Dressing the salad too early can make greens soggy. Dress just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Overloading Ingredients: Adding too many toppings can overwhelm the salad. Stick to a balanced amount of each ingredient for a harmonious flavor.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can leave your salad flat. Taste and adjust seasoning for optimal flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in greens and strawberries.
- If you must freeze, consider freezing just the vinaigrette.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Not applicable as salads are best served cold, but you can warm individual ingredients if needed.
- Microwave: Use sparingly; warm ingredients only if necessary.
- Stovetop: Again, not typically applicable, but you could sauté any leftover components gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing an Easter Salad.
What is an Easter Salad?
An Easter Salad is a vibrant mix of seasonal ingredients like strawberries and goat cheese, combined with a refreshing Lemon Honey Vinaigrette.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, fruits, or proteins based on your preferences. Customize it to match your taste!
How long does Easter Salad last in the fridge?
Easter Salad lasts about 2 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
What other dressings work well with this salad?
Aside from Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, you can try balsamic vinaigrette or a classic vinaigrette for variety.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is a delightful addition to any spring meal, bursting with flavors and colors. Its versatility allows for countless customization options based on your preference. Give it a try at your next gathering!
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant celebration of spring, showcasing the delightful harmony between sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all resting on a bed of fresh mixed greens. This colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for brunches, picnics, or family gatherings.
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 oil
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- sea salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a Mason jar or bowl, combine sunflower oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens with 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: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
