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green goddess salad with snow peas and honey vinaigrette
April 22, 2020

5 Best Recipes for Spring Salads

Salads
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Spring is in the air, so I figured it’s the perfect time to gather together all my favorite recipes for spring salads that I’ve posted over the years!

As the weather warms up, I’m always less likely to feel inspired to turn on my oven and end up craving a lot of fresh, cool meals. I love being able to throw a few ingredients together into a bowl to make a meal without doing a ton of work. Springtime also means some of my favorite fruits and vegetables, like asparagus, strawberries, and arugula, are in season. And what better way to enjoy them than in a tasty, refreshing salad? 

best recipes for spring salads

Making salads is also the perfect way to use up leftover grains (like quinoa, rice, or barley), roasted veggies, raw veggies, protein, or fruit; any of the recipes below can be tweaked to include whatever ingredients you have on hand. That’s the beauty of a salad!

I hope you enjoy this spring salad inspiration – let me know what your favorite combinations are, too!

Delicious Recipes for Spring Salads

Some of these salad recipes are on the lighter side (perfect as a side dish or when you are feeling in the mood for a smaller meal), and some are packed with protein. Either way, they’re all super nutritious and crave-worthy!

So, let’s get to the list, shall we?

1. Quinoa Salad with Orange Vinaigrette, Avocado & Arugula

quinoa salad with orange vinaigrette, avocado, and arugula

This salad combines quinoa, arugula, avocado, beans, cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of orange vinaigrette for a filling salad with unique flavors. I love all the texture in this salad and the touch of tartness from the orange!

I also love avocado on salad. Not only does it add healthy fats for staying power, but it also makes salads creamier. Definitely a plus in my book!

2. Green Goddess Bowl with Raw Honey Herb Vinaigrette

green goddess salad with snow peas and honey vinaigrette

Crunchy peas are a spring staple, and this delicious green goddess salad puts them front and center! The chickpeas add protein and fiber, the bulgur adds more fiber and a lovely chew, and the raw honey vinaigrette is the cherry on top. Feel free to add extra or different veggies or to add some chicken or fish to this dish, too!

3. Grilled Steak and Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

grilled steak and strawberry salad

I’m a huge fan of strawberries, so it’s no surprise this grilled steak & strawberry salad is one of my absolute favorites. It’s especially perfect for warmer spring nights (hello, grilling weather!).

The garlic & herb goat cheese crumbles make this spring salad recipe even more scrumptious!

4. Lemony Spinach Quinoa Bean Salad

lemon spinach quinoa salad with beans

This lemony, hearty salad with beans, spinach, and quinoa is great as a simple make-ahead lunch and is one of the original recipes I posted on my blog nearly 10 years ago when I was packing lunch for grad school every day! It’s also great as a side dish for dinner along with some extra protein, like chicken or fish.

5. Strawberry and Fennel Barley Salad

strawberry fennel barley salad

Yum, more strawberries! This is another oldie but goodie.

I’m always up for a grain salad (have you seen my easy mix + match Grain Salad Bowl Recipes formula?), and this one does not disappoint! The combination of fennel, strawberries, barley, and arugula is heavenly. Pumpkin seeds add a delicious crunch.

—

I hope you enjoy these spring salad recipes as much as I do!

I’m curious: what are your favorite salad toppings? Let me know in the comments!

Check out some of my other yummy salad recipes from over the years:

  • Quinoa Taco Salad (<- my most popular recipe EVER on Pinterest!)
  • Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette
  • Kale and Quinoa Salad with Soft Boiled Eggs (<- soft boiled eggs are sooo good on salads – the yolk acts as dressing!)
  • Sesame Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
  • Heirloom Tomato and Peach Caprese Salad (<- bookmark this one for summer)
  • Vegan Kale Caesar Salad Recipe
  • Mediterranean Green Tea Quinoa Salad Recipe
  • Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe
- anne
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you might also like:

Mason Jar Kale Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Green Tea Quinoa Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Lemon Mint Vinaigrette

Green Goddess Bowl with Raw Honey Herb Vinaigrette

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4 comments
  • Ana April 22, 2020 · 12:16PM:
    So green and fresh looking, yum!
    Reply
  • Jen April 22, 2020 · 2:14PM:
    We have been loving oranges and orange vinaigrette’s lately. Can’t wait to try yours, thanks for sharing :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      April 22, 2020 · 3:26PM:
      Aw yay, let me know how you like it! :)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner April 22, 2020 · 8:26PM:
    More grilled steak salad, please!
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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