Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for spring gatherings. This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad features juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens, all topped with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. It’s not just delicious; it’s visually appealing and suitable for Easter brunch, picnics, or any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful salad, making it perfect for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy goat cheese creates a harmonious balance that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as a side at dinner or the star of your lunch table, this Easter Salad fits perfectly into any meal.
- Healthful Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Stunning Presentation: The colorful ingredients make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any spring gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make preparing your Easter Salad easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mason jar (or whisk/bowl)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting almonds evenly without burning them.
- Mason jar: Perfect for shaking up the vinaigrette quickly while minimizing cleanup.
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients effortlessly.
Ingredients
Easter Salad — AKA, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette — is a beautiful, delicious addition to any spring meal. It features sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted almonds on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette!
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 Dressing
- 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. Once done, set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
To make the dressing, measure all vinaigrette ingredients into a Mason jar. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until well combined. Alternatively, whisk together in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, layer the mixed greens first. Next add sliced strawberries, toasted slivered almonds, and crumbled goat cheese. Just before serving, drizzle with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Enjoy this delightful Easter Salad at your next spring gathering!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a refreshing dish that can complement various meals during the spring season. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make your dining experience even better.
As a Standalone Dish
- Serve it chilled for a light lunch or dinner option. The combination of strawberries and goat cheese makes it satisfying without being heavy.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- Add slices of grilled chicken on top for a protein boost. This pairing enhances the flavors and makes for a hearty meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside fresh, crusty bread to soak up the delicious Lemon Honey Vinaigrette. It’s perfect for dipping and adds texture to your meal.
As a Side Dish
- Use Easter Salad as a vibrant side dish for your holiday feast. It brightens up the table and balances heavier main courses.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top the salad with chopped fresh herbs like basil or mint. This adds an aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To truly elevate your Easter Salad, follow these helpful tips to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries and crisp greens to enhance taste and texture.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting almonds brings out their natural flavors, adding depth to the salad.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust sea salt and pepper levels to suit your preference. Freshly ground black pepper adds more complexity.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Toss just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese, like feta or blue cheese, if you’re looking for variations on flavor.
- Add More Crunch: For extra texture, consider including ingredients like cucumber or radishes.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Easter Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options you might consider.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized perfectly matches the freshness of easter salad.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs add a creamy richness that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots bring an additional layer of flavor that harmonizes well with the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful quinoa pilaf can provide a nutritious base while balancing out the textures in your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an earthy element that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
- Cucumber Mint Raita: This cooling yogurt dip enhances flavors while adding a refreshing contrast to your plate.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks offer a delightful crunch alongside each bite of Easter Salad.
- Herbed Rice: A fragrant herb-infused rice dish can serve as a satisfying base to accompany your salad beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Easter Salad is a delightful dish, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are mistakes to avoid to ensure your salad shines.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make your Easter Salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Using Unripe Strawberries: Unripe strawberries can taste sour and ruin the flavor. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best results.
- Skipping Toasting Nuts: Untoasted almonds can be bland. Toast them lightly for added flavor and crunch.
- Using Old Greens: Wilted or browning greens affect both taste and presentation. Always use fresh, crisp mixed greens.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting before serving may lead to blandness. Always adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture of fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, you may freeze the vinaigrette for up to a month.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm gently for about 5-10 minutes, but avoid overheating.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts of 30 seconds; check frequently.
- Stovetop: Use low heat and stir gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Easter Salad.
What makes this an ideal Easter Salad?
This Easter Salad combines vibrant colors and flavors, making it perfect for spring celebrations.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits, nuts, or proteins like chicken or quinoa based on your taste preferences.
How do I store leftover Easter Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator without dressing for up to two days.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes! The Easter Salad is vegetarian-friendly and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is not just beautiful; it’s also versatile and easy to customize according to your tastes. With its fresh ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for any spring gathering. Give it a try and feel free to adjust toppings or dressings as you wish!
Easter Salad – Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of spring. This delightful Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is bursting with juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all nestled on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for any festive occasion. Perfect for Easter brunch, picnics, or spring gatherings, this light and nutritious dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
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 baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- In a Mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper; shake or whisk until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, layer the mixed greens first. Add sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle with the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
