Easter Salad
Easter Salad, also known as Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, is a vibrant and delicious addition to any spring gathering. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of goat cheese, and the crunch of toasted almonds over fresh mixed greens. Perfect for Easter brunch or a light dinner, this salad not only tastes fantastic but also looks stunning on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of seasonal strawberries and mixed greens makes this salad a refreshing choice for spring.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this colorful dish in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as an appetizer or a side, this Easter Salad complements various main courses beautifully.
- Flavorful Dressing: The Lemon Honey Vinaigrette adds a zesty brightness that enhances the flavors of the salad.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from greens and strawberries, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Easter Salad, it’s essential to gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure everything turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Sheet pan
- Mason jar or whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Mason jar or whisk: Using a Mason jar for the dressing makes it easy to shake up the vinaigrette quickly; alternatively, a whisk helps blend ingredients smoothly.
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 your oven to 350°.
Step 2: Toast the Almonds
Spread the slivered almonds on a sheet pan. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and light brown. Watch them closely to prevent burning. Once done, set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette
In a Mason jar, measure all vinaigrette ingredients:
1. Add sunflower oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and any desired amount of black pepper.
2. Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined. Alternatively, whisk together in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, layer:
1. Mixed greens,
2. Sliced strawberries,
3. Toasted slivered almonds,
4. Crumbled goat cheese.
Just before serving, dress with your desired amount of Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and toss gently until evenly coated.
Enjoy your vibrant Easter Salad!
How to Serve Easter Salad
Easter Salad is not just a vibrant dish; it’s also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether as a starter or a side, this salad can elevate your spring meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful recipe.
As a Main Course
- Pair with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Add quinoa or farro to increase protein and fiber.
At a Brunch Buffet
- Serve in individual cups for easy handling.
- Offer alongside other brunch favorites like frittatas or pastries.
For Family Gatherings
- Present in a large bowl for sharing, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Consider adding extra toppings like bacon bits or croutons for variety.
As a Picnic Delight
- Pack in portable containers, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat.
- Include whole grain rolls on the side for a balanced meal.
With Seasonal Fruits
- Incorporate seasonal fruits like blueberries or sliced peaches for added sweetness.
- Drizzle with extra vinaigrette for an enhanced flavor profile.
How to Perfect Easter Salad
To truly master your Easter Salad, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavors and presentation.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and greens make all the difference in taste and texture.
- Toast almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds brings out their natural flavor and adds crunch.
- Chill before serving: A chilled salad offers a refreshing experience, especially on warm days.
- Customize dressings: Feel free to adjust the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette by adding herbs like basil or mint for extra zest.
- Experiment with cheeses: While goat cheese is delicious, try feta or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Add protein: To make it more filling, consider adding chickpeas, grilled shrimp, or sliced turkey.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad
Easter Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent choices that will round out your meal perfectly.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal veggies such as asparagus or carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs add color and nutrition.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are always a hit at gatherings and provide protein alongside your salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a comforting touch that balances the freshness of the salad.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits enhances your meal’s freshness and sweetness.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers makes for an elegant side that complements the salad’s flavors.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter offers a delightful crunch and complements the salad beautifully.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing can be a filling side that pairs well with your Easter Salad.
- Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide heartiness without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easter Salad can be easy, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using stale ingredients – Always choose fresh strawberries and greens. Fresh produce enhances the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Overdressing the salad – Use the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette sparingly. It’s better to start with a little and add more if needed rather than drowning the salad.
- Forgetting to toast nuts – Toasting almonds brings out their flavor. Do not skip this step; it adds crunch and depth to your Easter Salad.
- Ignoring seasoning – Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. Proper seasoning balances flavors and elevates your dish.
- Not layering properly – Layering ingredients helps with presentation and flavor distribution. Make sure to arrange items thoughtfully before dressing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Easter Salad
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture of fresh greens and strawberries.
- Freezing will alter the quality of the ingredients.
Reheating Easter Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place salad in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds intervals until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, taking care not to wilt the greens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making an Easter Salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
What is an Easter Salad?
An Easter Salad is a vibrant dish featuring fresh spring ingredients like strawberries, goat cheese, and mixed greens, perfect for celebrating the season.
Can I customize my Easter Salad?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, seeds, or even swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese based on your preference.
How can I make my vinaigrette creamier?
To make a creamier vinaigrette, consider adding a dollop of yogurt or mayonnaise into your dressing mix for added richness.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Store each separately until you’re ready to assemble your Easter Salad.
Final Thoughts
Easter Salad is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Its combination of sweet strawberries and creamy goat cheese makes it versatile enough for any spring occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or dressings. Give it a try—it’s sure to be a hit!
Easter Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Easter Salad, also known as Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, is a stunning and flavorful addition to your spring gatherings. This vibrant dish features sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds atop a bed of fresh mixed greens. Perfect for Easter brunch or light dinners, it’s not only visually appealing but also a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. The zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette elevates this salad, making it a refreshing and nutrient-rich option 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 sunflower oil
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- sea salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a sheet pan and toast for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- In a Mason jar, combine sunflower oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper; shake well.
- In a large bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
- Just before serving, drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
