Best Spring Salad Recipes

GRILLED CORN, ASPARAGUS AND SPRING ONION SALAD

Steps:

• Heat grill to high. Lightly brush corn, asparagus and spring onions with vegetable oil. Place them on the grill and spread them out in one layer so they can cook evenly. Flip the vegetables a couple of times until they are charred on all sides but retain a firm bite; asparagus and spring onions should cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness, and corn about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove them from the grill as they are ready, then set aside.
• While the vegetables grill, combine lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire, Maggi, chile oil and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until fully combined. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
• Once vegetables have cooled enough to handle, cut asparagus and spring onions into thirds and add them to the bowl. Shave the kernels from the corn, discarding the cobs, and add kernels to the bowl. Toss to combine with the sauce. Add the halved tomatoes and combine well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SPRING APPLE AND FENNEL SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the salad: Place the apple, sliced fennel and fennel fronds in a large bowl. Add the dill, radish and cucumber and toss all together.
• On a larger platter, layer the butter lettuce and top with the sliced veggies.
• For the apple cider vinaigrette: Add the vinegar, honey, mustard, shallot, a big pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl and whisk together. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil until fully combined. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
• Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and top with the Pecorino.

SPRING SALAD WITH FENNEL AND ORANGE

Steps:

• Whisk together the sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, basil, and olive oil in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves; set aside. Toss the salad greens, sliced fennel, orange, onion, almonds, and cranberries in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to serve.

SPRING SALAD WITH BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING

Steps:

• Toss spring greens, strawberries, 1 cup blueberries, blue cheese, and walnuts together in a bowl.
• Blend remaining blueberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and mustard together in a blender until dressing is smooth; season with salt and black pepper. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.

SPRING PASTA SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, TOMATO AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Put up a large pot of salted water for cooking the pasta and bring it to a boil.
• Add the asparagus and blanch it until just tender, about 3 minutes.
• Scoop the asparagus from the water with a large strainer spoon and place in a colander. Run cold water over it to stop the cooking process, and to preserve the bright green color. Drain well and slice into small pieces on the diagonal, leaving the tips whole.
• Bring the water back to a rapid boil and cook the penne until just al dente (tender but slightly firm to the bite). Run the pasta under cold water and drain very well.
• In a large serving bowl, add the pasta, the blanched asparagus and all the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and pepper and toss well until all the pasta is well coated with dressing. Taste for seasoning. This is best served at room temperature.
• Note: Another lovely addition to this pasta is about 3/4 cup freshly shelled spring peas. Blanch them for 1 minute in the boiling pasta water after you blanch the asparagus. Drain well and add them to the bowl along with the other ingredients.

SPRING SALAD WITH FRUIT, FETA, AND PECANS

Steps:

• 1. Raspberry Vinaigrette: Blend all ingredients together well, (a small whisk works great). Drizzle over salad just before serving.
• 2. Wash and dry the greens well, then just before serving, plate each individual salad bowl with the greens.
• 3. Divide the oranges, strawberries, feta cheese and chopped pecans onto each plate for a beautiful presentation. (The pecans can be toasted for a nuttier flavor, if desired.)
• 4. Lightly drizzle with the vinaigrette just before serving, and put the rest of it on the table in case anyone wants more with their salad.

SPRING STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place the chicken breast meat into a skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette over medium heat; cook and stir until the chicken is browned, no longer pink in the center, and the juice has nearly evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken to a bowl and let cool.
• Place the spinach into a salad bowl; scatter the strawberries, goat cheese, and candied pecans over the spinach. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and top with the chicken. Serve slightly warm or chilled.

SPRING STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the spinach and strawberries.
• In a blender, place the sugar, salt, vinegar, and oil, and blend until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds. Pour over the spinach and strawberries, and toss to coat.

SPRING VEGETABLE RICE SALAD (INSALATA DI RISO)

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice, stir, and adjust heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any grains from sticking to the pot, until the rice is just barely done, about 15 minutes. It will continue to cook as it cools. Drain the rice well and spread it out on a tray to cool quickly.
• Bring another large pot of salted water to a boil. Holding an asparagus spear in both hands, bend the spear until it breaks naturally at the point where it becomes tough. Repeat with the remaining spears. Discard the tough ends and cut the tender part into 1/3-inch lengths. Blanch asparagus and peas together in the boiling water for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then lift out with a strainer and transfer to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool.
• Shell the fava beans, then blanch the unpeeled beans in the same boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain, transfer them to a paper towel lined baking sheet to cool. Peel the fava beans by pinching open the loose skin; the peeled bean should slip out easily.
• Put the lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice, asparagus, peas, fava beans, basil, parsley, lemon zest, ham and cheese. Toss with your hands to blend. Pour the dressing over the salad (you may not need it all) and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.

SPRING ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard. Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside.
• Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the water and cook 3 to 5 minutes until just tender, but still mostly firm. Remove and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking any further.
• Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

KAREN'S SPRING MIX SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, avocado, tomato, olives and pepperoncini peppers. Set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic salt, oregano and basil. Pour over the salad mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parmesan and serve.

SPRING ASPARAGUS, HAM AND POTATO SALAD - HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

Steps:

• Make up the dressing by putting all the dressing ingredients into a jar and shaking it well. The dressing can be made up well in advance.
• Choose two attractive plates or bowls and start to assemble the salad.
• Place the potatoes on the plate/bowl first and then arrange the strips of ham & asparagus spears over the top - gently mix through to "just" mingle the ingredients together.
• Next, scatter the minced/finely diced red onion over and then the sliced cornichons - if you are using them.
• Pour over the honey & mustard dressing - giving the salad a liberal dousing!
• Season and scatter the chopped chives and/or the chopped chervil over the top.
• Serve with crusty bread & a glass of crisp, chilled white Chablis or Chardonnay!
• Optional ideas:.
• You could also add peas, broad beans, olives or crispy bacon!

SPRING RASPBERRY SALAD

Steps:

• In 8-inch nonstick skillet cook walnuts and sugar over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted and walnuts are coated; cool and break apart.
• In large bowl, combine salad greens, raspberries, onion and dates. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat. Top with cheese and walnuts.

HAM, GARDEN VEGETABLE AND SPRING MIX SALAD WITH SWISS CHEESE

Steps:

• Combine salad blend, vegetables from pouch, ham, cheese, asparagus, mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Toss with Cream Dijon Dressing, to taste. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• *Creamy Dijon Dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano crushed, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in small bowl. Slowly whisk 1/4 cup canola oil and 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, until blended. Makes 1/2 cup.

GREEK CHICKEN, GARDEN VEGETABLE AND SPRING MIX SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Brush chicken breasts with oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place chicken in 2-quart shallow baking dish; bake 25 to 30 minutes or until no longer pink in center (165 degrees F.). Cool chicken enough to handle; slice into thin strips.
• Combine salad blend, vegetables from pouch, garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, olives and red onion in large bowl. Toss with Greek Vinaigrette, to taste. Divide salad mixture on 4 large plates. Top each with sliced chicken. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
• Greek Vinaigrette:
• Whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel, 1 teaspoon dried oregano crushed, salt and black pepper, to taste until well blended. Makes about 1 cup.

SPRING RADISH SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a small pot, bring the grapefruit juice to a simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the juice to 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the reduced grapefruit juice, vinegar, mustard, honey and soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until emulsified.
• For the salad: Combine the radishes with the watercress and fennel in a medium bowl and toss with a small amount of the dressing. Arrange the avocado, grapefruit and orange on a platter, drizzle with the dressing and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle on the serrano, then top with the dressed radish mixture and serve.

SPRING RICE SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL DRESSING

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package directions using stock instead of water and omitting salt and butter. Set aside when done.
• Meanwhile, chop vegetables and bring saucepan 3/4 full of water to boil. Add green beans and snow peas and blanch for about 4-5 minutes or until desired tenderness. Remove with slotted spoon and let cool.
• Add asparagus to reserved water in saucepan and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes or until desired tenderness. Drain and let cool with other vegetables.
• In large bowl wisk together lemon juice, olive oil, dill, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Add rice and vegetables and toss.
• Garnish with dill sprigs and lemon wedges if desired.

SPRING PEA & RADISH SALAD

Steps:

• Snip ends off beans and sugar snap peas; remove strings from snap peas. In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add beans and reduce heat; simmer, covered, 4-5 minutes. Add sugar snap peas; simmer, covered, until both beans and peas are crisp-tender, another 2-3 minutes. Drain., Toss beans and peas with radishes. Stir together honey, tarragon, salt and pepper. Drizzle over vegetables.

SPRING PEA AND PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• 1. Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add chicken; toss to coat. 2. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus pieces and peas during the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain well. Add pasta-and-vegetable mixture and Parmigiano-Reggiano to chicken mixture; toss well to coat.

CHILLED SPRING PEA SOUP WITH CRAB SALAD, CREME FRAICHE, AND MINT

Steps:

• For the soup: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add enough salt to make it taste like the ocean. Add the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, freshly cracked black pepper, to taste, and sliced chiles, and bring back to a boil. Taste the water and season with salt, if needed. Add the English peas, bring the soup back to a boil and allow it to cook until the peas are al dente, about 30 to 45 seconds.
• Using a strainer or spider, add the pea mixture to a blender with 2 ladlefuls of flavored liquid, the creme fraiche and the mint leaves. Puree until smooth. Pour through a wired mesh strainer into a bowl over an ice bath to cool very quickly. Continue to stir until chilled.
• Taste for seasoning.
• For the crab salad: To a large bowl, add the crabmeat, mint leaves, salt and pepper, to taste, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, sliced scallions, lime zest, lime juice, and the chiles. Lightly toss with a fork. Do not overwork. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
• Ladle the soup into serving bowl. Top each bowl with a large spoonful of the salad. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and garnish with julienned snow peas.
• Pack the chiles into 2 (1-quart) jars and cover them with water to come within 1/2-inch of the rim. Pour the water out into a measuring cup. Note the volume, pour off half the water, and replace it with sherry vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons salt for every 3 cups liquid.
• Pour the vinegar mixture into a nonreactive saucepan and add the bay leaves, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, marjoram, and garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Pour the hot liquid into the jars to cover the peppers, and screw on the lids. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
• Yield: about 2 quarts