Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly celebrates the flavors of spring. This delightful Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, paired with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, adds a burst of color and taste to any meal. Ideal for Easter gatherings or any festive occasion, this salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds over a bed of mixed greens. It’s not just visually appealing; it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Colorful Presentation: The bright colors of strawberries and greens make this salad an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon vinaigrette brings a fresh taste that’s perfect for spring.
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as a side or main dish, this Easter Salad fits perfectly into any meal plan.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To successfully prepare your Easter Salad, having the right tools can make all the difference. Gather these essential items to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mason jar or medium bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Large salad bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for toasting the almonds evenly without burning.
- Mason jar: Great for mixing the vinaigrette quickly; no extra dishes needed.
- Mixing spoon: Useful for tossing your salad ingredients together easily.
- Large salad bowl: Provides ample space to mix all components without spilling.
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 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 baking sheet. 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 or blender.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad 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 evenly coated.
Enjoy your refreshing Easter Salad as part of your festive spread!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your spring gatherings. Whether it’s for a festive brunch or a casual dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As an Appetizer
- Start with small portions of Easter Salad on individual plates. This presentation makes it a delightful first course for any gathering.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- Serve the Easter Salad alongside grilled chicken for a balanced meal. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it a perfect addition to your main dish.
On a Buffet Table
- Create a buffet-style setup with Easter Salad as one of the highlights. Guests can help themselves, making it easy to enjoy during celebrations.
With Fresh Bread
- Offer crusty bread or rolls on the side. The bread pairs well with the salad and allows guests to savor every last bite of the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette.
As a Light Lunch
- Enjoy Easter Salad as a light lunch option. It’s refreshing and satisfying, perfect for those warmer spring days when you want something light yet filling.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To make your Easter Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavor and presentation.
- Choose ripe strawberries: Select sweet and juicy strawberries to balance the tangy goat cheese and vinaigrette.
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds brings out their natural flavor and adds crunch to your salad.
- Chill your greens: Keep your mixed greens fresh and crisp by chilling them before assembling the salad.
- Make vinaigrette ahead: Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette in advance so that the flavors have time to meld together.
- Add seasonal herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or basil for added freshness and flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve the salad right after dressing it to prevent wilting.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Easter Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its lightness and vibrant flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful blend of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds depth to your meal.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a creamy, rich contrast that enhances any springtime feast.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread serves as a great accompaniment that guests will love dipping into their salads.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious quinoa pilaf with herbs provides hearty texture while remaining light on the palate.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of fresh fruit pairs perfectly with Easter Salad, adding bursts of sweetness between bites.
- Cheese Board: A variety of cheeses not only complements the goat cheese in the salad but also offers an appealing visual element.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Easter Salad, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delightful dish.
- Overtoasting the almonds: Nuts can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them while toasting to achieve a perfect golden brown without bitterness.
- Using unripe strawberries: Select sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Taste them before adding to your salad for optimal sweetness.
- Skipping the vinaigrette: The Lemon Honey Vinaigrette is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it; it balances the salad beautifully.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to enhance flavors according to your preference.
- Preparing too early: Assemble just before serving. This keeps greens crisp and prevents sogginess from the dressing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Easter Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Salad
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture of the greens and strawberries.
- Fresh ingredients do not freeze well and may become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven: Not suitable for reheating as salads are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will wilt the greens and ruin texture.
- Stovetop: Not applicable since salads should be enjoyed fresh and cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing and enjoying Easter Salad.
What makes an Easter Salad special?
Easter Salad stands out with its bright colors and fresh flavors, highlighting spring ingredients like strawberries and mixed greens. It’s perfect for festive gatherings.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, fruits, or different cheeses based on your preferences. Avocado or walnuts can make excellent additions!
How can I make my dressing ahead of time?
You can prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and shake before use.
Is Easter Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients from greens, fruits, and healthy fats from goat cheese and nuts, making it a wholesome choice.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is a beautiful addition to any spring meal, bringing vibrant colors and delicious flavors together. Its versatility allows you to adapt it based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try customizing it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!
Easter Salad – Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Easter Salad is a vibrant celebration of spring flavors, combining juicy strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds atop a bed of fresh mixed greens. Drizzled with a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, this colorful dish not only looks stunning on your table but also offers a nutritious boost for health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries (washed, hulled, & sliced)
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- black pepper to taste
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, combine vinaigrette ingredients: oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake well to mix.
- In a large salad bowl, layer mixed greens, 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 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
