Easter Salad is a delightful dish that captures the spirit of spring with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. This Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette is perfect for Easter gatherings, picnics, or any occasion when you want to enjoy something light yet satisfying. The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds atop mixed greens makes it a standout choice for your spring table.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Fresh Ingredients: The use of seasonal strawberries and greens ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
Versatile Serving Options: This Easter Salad works beautifully as a side dish or as a light main course.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its colorful presentation and delicious taste make it a favorite among guests.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mason jar
Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Whisk or mini food processor

Importance of Each Tool

Mason jar: Perfect for shaking up the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette quickly and mess-free.
Baking sheet: Essential for toasting the slivered almonds evenly without burning them.
Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients before serving.
Whisk or mini food processor: Helps achieve a smooth vinaigrette blend in no time.

Ingredients

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 Lemon Honey 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°F.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

Spread the slivered almonds on a baking sheet.
Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are fragrant and light brown.
Watch carefully to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette

To create the dressing:
Measure all vinaigrette ingredients into a mason jar.
Tightly screw on the lid and shake vigorously until well combined.
Alternatively, whisk in a medium bowl or blend in a mini food processor.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing 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 all ingredients are evenly coated.

Enjoy your vibrant Easter Salad! This dish will surely brighten any spring meal.

How to Serve Easter Salad

Easter Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Individual Bowls

Serve the salad in individual bowls for a personal touch. This allows guests to enjoy their portion while keeping the presentation neat.

Buffet Style

Present the ingredients separately on a buffet table. Guests can customize their salads by choosing their preferred toppings and dressing amounts.

Family Style

Place a large bowl of Easter Salad in the center of the table. This encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal dining atmosphere.

Picnic Presentation

Pack the Easter Salad in mason jars for an easy picnic idea. Layer the ingredients starting with the dressing at the bottom, followed by greens, strawberries, almonds, and goat cheese on top.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. The flavors of both dishes complement each other beautifully, making for a balanced meal.

Garnish Ideas

Add fresh herbs like mint or basil as a garnish. These herbs enhance flavor and add vibrant color to the salad.

How to Perfect Easter Salad

To make your Easter Salad truly exceptional, consider these tips for perfecting its taste and presentation.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe strawberries and crisp greens for optimal flavor and texture.
Toast Almonds Carefully: Keep an eye on slivered almonds while toasting to ensure they don’t burn; this enhances their flavor.
Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette in advance. It allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a balanced flavor profile.
Add Colorful Toppings: Consider adding sliced radishes or edible flowers for extra color and visual appeal.
Serve Immediately: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Easter Salad can elevate your meal even further. Here are some delightful options that complement this fresh salad perfectly.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the salad.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a warm element that balances out the coolness of the salad.
Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer protein while enhancing your Easter theme with their festive appearance.
Baked Ham: A honey-glazed ham makes for an indulgent main course that pairs well with fresh salads like this one.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter serve as a comforting side that everyone loves.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the lightness of Easter Salad, creating a satisfying meal.
Fruit Platter: An assortment of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast and adds sweetness to your spread.
Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can introduce new textures and flavors, making it an excellent appetizer before diving into the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Easter Salad, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

Overcooking nuts: Toasting slivered almonds is essential, but overcooking can lead to bitterness. Watch them closely, and remove them as soon as they turn golden brown.
Skipping the vinaigrette: A delicious dressing enhances the flavors of your salad. Don’t skip this step; use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Using unripe strawberries: Ensure your strawberries are ripe and sweet. Taste test before adding them to your salad for optimal flavor.
Not mixing well: To ensure every bite is flavorful, toss the salad well with the vinaigrette just before serving. This helps coat all ingredients evenly.
Serving too early: If you prepare the salad ahead of time, the greens may wilt. Dress the salad only right before serving to keep it fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best quality.

Freezing Easter Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients.
Freezing can alter the texture of the greens and strawberries.

Reheating Easter Salad

Oven: You can warm components like almonds in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes if desired.
Microwave: Use only if absolutely necessary, heating in short bursts to avoid cooking the salad.
Stovetop: Not recommended as it may wilt the greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying your Easter Salad.

What makes Easter Salad special?

Easter Salad features a delightful combination of sweet strawberries and creamy goat cheese, perfect for springtime celebrations.

Can I customize my Easter Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or nuts such as walnuts for added texture and flavor.

What can I serve with Easter Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a larger buffet spread during holiday gatherings.

How do I make a vegan version of Easter Salad?

To make it vegan, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.

Final Thoughts

Easter Salad is not only beautiful but also versatile, making it a fantastic addition to any spring meal. Its balance of flavors allows for customization based on personal preferences. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Easter Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Easter Salad is a refreshing celebration of spring, featuring a delightful blend of sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy slivered almonds atop a bed of mixed greens. This vibrant dish is perfect for Easter gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where you crave something light yet satisfying. The bright colors and fresh flavors not only make this salad visually appealing but also packed with nutrients. Tossed in a zesty Lemon Honey Vinaigrette, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, this Easter Salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

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 or extra-virgin olive oil
5 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant and lightly brown. Cool.
In a mason jar or bowl, combine oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette; shake or whisk well.
In a large mixing bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and crumbled goat cheese.
Just before serving, dress the salad with the vinaigrette and toss gently.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American