Bright Spring Salad

Celebrate the flavors of spring with this colorful salad. Packed with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette, it offers a burst of freshness and flavor that’s uncomplicated and delightful. Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus, tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • A few handfuls of salad greens
  • 2 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 avocado, pitted and diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped, toasted pistachios
  • 1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
  • Fresh herbs, for garnish (basil, mint, and/or chives)
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or a mix of basil and mint
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus 1/2 teaspoon zest
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more as desired
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 minute, until tender but still bright green. Transfer to the ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow the asparagus to dry and transfer it back to the bowl and add the peas.
  2. Make the dressing: In a food processor or blender, pulse together the herbs, garlic, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, olive oil, and salt.
  3. Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the asparagus and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble the salad. Arrange the salad greens on a platter, then layer the asparagus/pea mixture, the radishes, feta, avocado, pistachios, chickpeas, and herbs. Drizzle with remaining dressing, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve.

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 1/4 of the salad

  • 352 calories
  • 18.6g fat
  • 41.1g carbs
  • 16.2g fiber
  • 113g protein

Source: modified from Taste of Home at tasteofhome.com