Easter Salad
Easter Salad is the perfect dish to brighten up your spring gatherings. This vibrant salad features sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Whether it’s for Easter brunch or a casual picnic, this colorful salad adds a refreshing touch to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of strawberries and goat cheese creates a delightful contrast, making each bite a burst of flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from holiday feasts to everyday meals.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Easter Salad, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Mason jar or mixing bowl
- Whisk or mini food processor
Importance of Each Tool
- Sheet pan: Ideal for toasting almonds evenly without burning them.
- Mason jar: Great for mixing the vinaigrette quickly and efficiently.
- Mini food processor: Provides an easy way to blend ingredients if you prefer a smoother vinaigrette.
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 the oven to 350°. Spread the slivered almonds on a sheet pan. 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, measure all vinaigrette ingredients. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until combined. Alternatively, whisk together in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Just before serving, dress with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Enjoy your delicious Easter Salad! Perfect for family gatherings or enjoying on sunny spring days.
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or a spring dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
As a Refreshing Appetizer
- Start the meal with small portions of the salad served in individual cups for a delightful starter.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- This salad complements grilled chicken perfectly, adding a fresh and zesty flavor to the main course.
Accompanying a Cheese Platter
- Serve the Easter Salad alongside a selection of cheeses for a balanced cheese board, enhancing both flavors.
As Part of a Buffet
- Include this salad in a buffet spread. Its colorful presentation will attract guests and add variety to the offerings.
Topped with Grilled Shrimp
- For seafood lovers, consider adding grilled shrimp on top of the salad for an extra protein boost and an impressive twist.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
Enhancing your Easter Salad can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to consider.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries and greens for the best flavor and texture.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the honey in the vinaigrette to suit your taste preferences; sweetness can vary based on berry ripeness.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill briefly before serving. This helps meld flavors together.
- Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts for extra crunch and flavor variety.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like feta or blue cheese if you want to switch it up from goat cheese.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
To complement your Easter Salad, here are some delightful side dishes that pair well with it.
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Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with fresh herbs provide a hearty side to balance the lightness of the salad.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots drizzled with honey create a delicious contrast to the tartness of strawberries.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks serve as perfect dippers for any remaining vinaigrette on your plate.
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Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are always a hit during Easter gatherings and offer rich flavors that work well with salad.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds more texture and protein without overpowering the freshness of the Easter Salad.
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Spring Vegetable Medley: Sautéed seasonal vegetables like asparagus and peas enhance the vibrant flavors of spring.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can provide a delightful contrast while keeping your meal festive and appealing.
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Fruit Tartlets: Consider sweet fruit tartlets as dessert after enjoying your meal, echoing the fruity elements in your salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easter Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the final dish.
- Using stale nuts: Freshly toasted almonds add flavor and crunch. Always toast your nuts right before using them for the best taste.
- Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to drown your greens in dressing. Add Lemon Honey Vinaigrette gradually, tossing lightly until you achieve the desired coating without sogginess.
- Skipping ingredient prep: Properly cleaning and slicing strawberries is crucial for presentation. Take the time to wash, hull, and slice them evenly.
- Ignoring seasoning: A pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper brings out flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Not serving immediately: This salad is best served fresh. If it sits too long after dressing, the greens can wilt and lose their crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of fresh ingredients like strawberries and greens.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F; warm the salad for about 5 minutes, but it’s better enjoyed cold.
- Microwave: Use low power; heat for 30 seconds at a time until just warmed through.
- Stovetop: Lightly toss in a pan over low heat, ensuring it doesn’t cook through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Easter Salad.
What makes this an Easter Salad?
Easter Salad features seasonal ingredients like fresh strawberries and vibrant greens, perfect for spring celebrations.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add other fruits, nuts, or even proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for added nutrition.
How do I make the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette?
Simply combine lemon juice, honey, oil, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until fully blended.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is a beautiful blend of flavors that captures the essence of spring. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering or as a light meal!
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of spring. Bursting with sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, this salad is drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette that elevates its flavors. Perfect for Easter brunch or casual picnics, it adds a colorful touch to any gathering. With its delightful combination of textures and tastes, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
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 the oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a sheet pan and toast for 5-7 minutes until light brown. Let cool.
- In a Mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to create the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Shake or whisk until blended.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and goat cheese. Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
