5 Spring Salads For Your Next Get Together
It’s finally here people! Spring is upon us and it’s finally the time to bring that sense of fresh colorful flavors that we all know and love. Kiss your winter recipes goodbye and say hello to bright fresh flavors. And what better way to start off Spring with a bang than some fresh Spring salads? With so many fresh flavors, ingredients and textures to choose from, there is a Spring salad for everyone on this list. Here are 5 spring salads for your next get together.
Say hello to Spring with a farm fresh salad.1. Strawberry Salad
Nothing says hello to Spring than a fresh strawberry salad. The soft crunch of roasted pecans, creamy cheese and strawberry make this the perfect breath of Spring for your next get together. The prep is fast and easy and the colors are gorgeous. When you’re looking to make a salad that will be the talk of the town, try this recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 serving of baby spinach
- 1 quart of fresh strawberries
- `1 cup feta cheese
- ¾ cup pecans, raw
- 1 serving of poppy seed dressing
- Almonds, optional if you want that extra sweet and salty kick to your salad
Directions
Begin by toasting your pecans and preheat your oven to 350F. Spray down an un-greased baking dish. Bake your pecans for 8 to 10 minutes until the center is tan and can be easily broken. Remove from heat and let cool, roughly chop. Add your red onion to a bowl under cold water and let sit.This will remove some of the bite from the red onion that may be overpowering otherwise. If you like that bite in your onion, skip this step. Drain and pat dry. Combine all salad ingredients. Serve and enjoy.
This fresh salad is a great way to show off your fresh ingredients.2. Goat Cheese And Cranberry Salad
This salad is both subtly sweet and creamy, making it a perfect contender for any Springtime get together. This salad has the perfect amount of crunch that will leave you wanting more. Note that this recipe is not overly filling and leaves feeling happy and full with fresh ingredients this Spring.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby mixed greens
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cranberries, dried
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- Dressing of your choice, note I have found a balsamic vinaigrette works best for this dish
Directions
Begin by soaking your red onions in cold water to help take out some of that bite from your onion. Gently drain and pat dry. Combine all other salad ingredients. Serve and enjoy.
This salad adds a sense of elegance to any get together.3. Three Bean Salad
Are you looking for a little more protein out of your salad this Spring? This three bean salad is full of protein and fiber and will leave your guests feeling full and satisfied. I personally love this salad as it gives that sense of Spring freshness while also being a little more substantial than most salads. When you have hungry guests and you need a fast solution this three bean salad is a life saver.
Ingredients
- 1 can of green beans
- 1lb chickpeas
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red onion, sliced
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup white vinegar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Directions
Combine all the ingredients above. Note I would mix the sugar and vinegar together so it dissolves and you’re not crunching on sugar. Serve and enjoy.
4. Broccoli Salad
When you’re looking for something more out of your next salad, this recipe is a must try. This recipe has been in my family for generations and is a great way to get that sweet bite out of your veggies with the red onion and the sweet crunch out of the broccoli. And while this salad is a little more fattening than some of the other salads, the flavors are well worth the extra pounds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of broccoli crowns
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp mayo
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 pinch of garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Directions
Cut the heads off your broccoli and cut your head of broccoli into crowns. Be sure to rinse and pat dry before continuing on with the next steps. Proceed to add your mayo, apple cider vinegar and olive oil into a small mixing bowl. Thoroughly combine before assembling your salad and topping off with your dressing. Serve and enjoy.
5. Crispy Chicken Salad
Crispy Chicken Salad is a great way to add some protein to your life while also keeping it fresh and light. This salad is perfect for a light entree or snack for any get together. I personally love this recipe for workday lunches when I’m pressed for time and want to make something fast and delicious. Try it for yourself in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound fried chicken, either homemade or store bought cut into bite sized pieces
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 serving of romaine lettuce
- 2 ripe avocados, slice
- Dressing of your choice, I personally like with this sweet and spicy honey mustard
Directions
Season your chicken with your smoked paprika and lightly toss. Assemble your salad by laying the lettuce at the bottom and plating your chicken, cherry tomatoes and ripe avocado. Lightly drizzle with your spicy honey mustard dressing. Top off with your grated parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy.
