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Best Easter Spring Salad with Goat Cheese

A bright and seasonal salad featuring mixed greens, strawberries, peas, and creamy goat cheese, perfect for spring gatherings and Easter brunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Spring
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce) Swap spinach with kale for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced Raspberries or thinly sliced apples work if berries are out of season.
  • 1 cup snap peas or sugar snap peas, blanched and sliced diagonally Frozen peas thawed quickly are a fine healthy option.
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame or blanched peas Optional for extra texture.
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled Feta is a saltier substitution if you prefer.
  • 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts Pistachios add a colorful, slightly savory twist.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Basil can replace mint for a sweeter note.
Dressing
  • 1 each lemon, zest and juice About 3 tablespoons juice.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup Use maple syrup for a vegan swap.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion or shallot
  • 1 handful cooked quinoa For a heartier salad.

Method
 

Toast the Nuts
  1. Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds or walnuts and toast, stirring, until fragrant and lightly golden — about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool.
Blanch the Peas
  1. Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the snap peas for 30 to 45 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water to keep their bright green color and crisp-tender bite. Drain and pat dry.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Adjust taste as needed.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large salad bowl, gently toss the mixed greens with half of the dressing so the leaves are lightly coated and glossy.
  2. Arrange the dressed greens on a platter or in a serving bowl. Scatter the sliced strawberries, blanched peas, edamame, and red onion over the top. Crumble the goat cheese evenly across the salad.
  3. Sprinkle toasted nuts and chopped herbs last for freshness and crunch.
Finish and Serve
  1. Drizzle any remaining dressing over the assembled salad right before serving. Grind a final crack of black pepper and sprinkle a tiny pinch more flaky sea salt to elevate flavors. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use the freshest spring produce for peak flavor. The goat cheese is the star; choose a creamy, tangy log for the best texture.