Everything Spring Green Salad

Introduction

Imagine a salad that encapsulates the essence of spring—a vibrant, colorful bowl filled with fresh greens, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing that dances on your palate. The Everything Spring Green Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is an experience that combines various textures and flavors in one dish. Perfect for a family gathering, a picnic, or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this salad is bursting with seasonal goodness.

Each bite delivers a harmony of flavors, thanks to sweet green peas, salty pistachios, and creamy avocado. The addition of tangy lemon basil vinaigrette elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Not only is it delightful to eat, but it’s also visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dining table. Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking to add more greens to your diet, this recipe is sure to please. So, let’s dive into what makes this spring salad a must-try!

Ingredients

¾ cup thawed green peas
¼ cup roasted salted pistachios
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
½ cup halved Castelvetrano olives
1 medium avocado, chopped
6 cups baby spinach
1 cup microgreens or alfalfa sprouts
½ head shredded red or green cabbage
3 sliced radishes
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
4 oz crumbled feta or goat cheese
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (pickled or raw)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or sugar
4 basil leaves, finely chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

To create the Lemon Basil Vinaigrette, start by gathering a mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and combined. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to adjust the honey or sugar to your taste. Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper before setting it aside to let the flavors meld.

Next, take a large mixing bowl and add the baby spinach. Drizzle in about half of your crafted vinaigrette over the spinach, and gently toss the greens to ensure they are coated in the dressing. This step will infuse the spinach with zesty flavor, setting a delicious base for the salad.

Now, it’s time to assemble your salad. Transfer the dressed spinach onto a large serving platter, creating a leafy bed for the rest of your beautifully prepared ingredients. Begin to artfully arrange the thawed green peas, halved cherry tomatoes, roasted salted pistachios, roasted sunflower seeds, and halved Castelvetrano olives over the greens. Each colorful layer adds a unique texture and taste to the overall dish.

For a creamy element, gently place the chopped avocado onto the salad—its rich texture pairs wonderfully with the crunchiness of the nuts and the freshness of the greens. Next, add the microgreens or alfalfa sprouts, shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, and Persian cucumbers along with the crumbled feta or goat cheese. All these elements contribute not only to the flavor but also to the visual appeal of the dish.

Finally, lightly sprinkle salt and black pepper over the top to enhance the flavors before serving. It’s also a good idea to offer the remaining vinaigrette on the side for drizzling, allowing everyone to customize their salad to their liking.

Variations

This Everything Spring Green Salad is versatile, allowing for countless modifications to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Add Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a heartier salad that boosts your fiber intake.
Swap the Nuts: If you have nut allergies or just prefer different flavors, try using pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts instead of pistachios.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to add in other seasonal vegetables like asparagus, peas, or bell peppers for additional crunch and color.
Herbs Galore: Alongside basil, consider adding fresh mint or parsley for a fragrant touch.
Protein Boost: To make this salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to introduce protein and make it more filling.

Cooking Notes

While preparing this salad is simple, a few tips can elevate your culinary experience:

Fresh Ingredients: Choose the freshest seasonal produce to ensure optimal flavor and nutrition.
Prep Ahead: The vinaigrette can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop; just give it a good stir before serving.
Table Presentation: For an attractive presentation, consider layering the ingredients in a clear bowl, allowing guests to see the vibrant colors.
Texture Contrast: Aim for a good mix of crunchy and creamy textures by balancing ingredients like nuts and avocados.
Store Leftovers: If you have any salad left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within a day to maintain its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This Everything Spring Green Salad is delightful on its own, but it also pairs exceptionally well with various dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for an ideal meal. You can complement it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying dinner. For a lighter option, consider enjoying it with a cup of seasonal soup like tomato basil or minestrone soup, which will contrast beautifully with the salad’s refreshing flavors.

Tips

For added flavor, try toasting the sunflower seeds or pistachios before adding them to the salad.
If you’re making the salad a few hours ahead of time, store the dressing separately to keep the greens crisp.
Experiment with different cheeses like blue cheese or goat cheese to find your favorite flavor combination.
Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for additional acidity and flavor complexity.
Prepare a larger batch of vinaigrette; it can be used on other salads or as a marinade for proteins.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350

Protein: 8g

Sodium: 250mg

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. However, it is best to dress the salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens.

What can I substitute for the cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast or avocado can substitute cheese while still providing a creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.

Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! This salad is quite versatile. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like roasted vegetables, seeds, or additional herbs.

What drinks pair well with this salad?
A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea pairs excellently with the zesty flavors of the salad.

Conclusion

The Everything Spring Green Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette truly is a celebration of the season’s freshest flavors, textures, and colors. Whether for a family meal, a potluck, or simply to brighten up your weekday lunch, this salad is both wholesome and delicious. With its vibrant ingredients and refreshing dressing, it’s bound to impress anyone who takes a bite.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts and variations in the comments below! Did you add a unique twist, or did anyone in your family declare it their new favorite dish? Sharing recipes and personal touches makes cooking an enjoyable experience for everyone! So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful salad, and let the flavors of spring invigorate your table!