If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, your search ends here. The Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe brings together sweet, tangy, and creamy elements in perfect harmony. This delightful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of springtime ingredients that make it an ideal dish for your Easter table or any bright, sunny day when you crave something light yet luxurious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making this salad truly unforgettable. Each component plays a key role in creating layers of texture and flavor that complement one another perfectly.
- Slivered almonds: Toasting these adds a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty depth that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Mixed spring greens: A fresh, peppery base that brings a variety of textures and a burst of vibrant green color.
- Strawberries: Sliced and juicy, these bring a natural sweetness and a pop of bright red that makes the salad irresistible.
- Crumbled goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it adds richness and a delightful contrast to the crisp greens and sweet fruit.
- Sunflower oil: A light, neutral oil perfect for creating a smooth vinaigrette without overpowering other flavors.
- Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the whole salad.
- Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to soften the lemon’s acidity.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the vinaigrette.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of gentle heat and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Toast the almonds
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown. This step releases their natural oils and brings out a rich, nutty flavor that’ll add both crunch and warmth to your salad.
Step 2: Whisk together the vinaigrette
In a mason jar or a bowl, combine the sunflower oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Shake vigorously or whisk until everything blends into a smooth, emulsified lemon honey vinaigrette. This dressing is the magic touch that ties all the ingredients together with its bright and subtly sweet flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
Grab a large salad bowl and start layering your ingredients—begin with the mixed spring greens for a lush, fresh bed. Next, sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly over the greens, then add the toasted almonds for texture. Finally, top the salad with generous crumbles of creamy goat cheese for a luscious finish.
Step 4: Dress and toss
Drizzle your homemade Lemon Honey Vinaigrette just before serving. Gently toss the salad to coat the leaves and toppings without bruising the delicate greens or strawberries. This method ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra elements like fresh mint leaves or edible flowers can elevate the presentation and introduce a subtle fresh aroma. A sprinkle of cracked pink peppercorns or an extra handful of toasted almonds on top offers eye-catching detail and an enticing crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast or a light seafood dish like lemon-garlic shrimp. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a warm baguette or a creamy vegetable quiche to bring comforting textures and flavors that complement the brightness of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in individual clear glass bowls to showcase the beautiful layers of vibrant greens, ruby red strawberries, and white goat cheese. Alternatively, arrange it on a large platter for a family-style meal, encouraging everyone to help themselves to this stunning and delicious Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad components separately to keep everything fresh. Keep the greens and strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge and the vinaigrette in a small jar. Toasted almonds stored in a sealed bag will maintain their crunch for longer.
Freezing
This delightful salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The greens and strawberries will lose their texture and vibrancy once frozen and thawed, so make sure to enjoy it on the day it’s prepared.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not advised. The flavors and textures shine brightest when the greens are crisp and the goat cheese is cool and creamy.
FAQs
Can I substitute goat cheese with another type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feta cheese or ricotta salata are lovely alternatives that provide a similar tangy, creamy element, though goat cheese has a distinctive flavor that is particularly delicious in this recipe.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I leave out the almonds?
Yes, you can omit the almonds or swap them for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, which will still give a nice crunch without the nut allergy concerns.
How long can I keep the vinaigrette once made?
The lemon honey vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if kept in an airtight container or jar. Just give it a good shake before using as the ingredients may settle or separate.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! The ingredients used in this Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Can I prepare parts of this salad the night before Easter?
Yes, you can toast the almonds, wash and slice the strawberries, and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Just store everything separately and assemble the salad right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe—it’s vibrant, fresh, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or craving a bright, juicy salad any day of the week, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite you turn to again and again.
Print
Easter Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Lemon Honey Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and refreshing Easter Salad featuring toasted slivered almonds, fresh spring greens, sweet strawberries, and tangy goat cheese, all tossed in a homemade lemon honey vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and flavorful springtime meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Nuts
- 1 cup slivered almonds
Salad
- 12 ounces mixed spring greens
- 16 ounces strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil
- 5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast Almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare Dressing: In a mason jar or a small bowl, combine sunflower oil, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Seal the jar or whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully blended and the dressing is smooth.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, start by layering the mixed spring greens. Next, add the sliced strawberries on top, followed by the toasted almonds. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the salad.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing while keeping the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can substitute or add toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If preferred, substitute goat cheese with feta or blue cheese for different taste profiles.
- Adjust honey amount in dressing to your desired sweetness level.
