Simple Easter Vegetable Salad That Feels Fresh and Vibrant

Name: Simple Easter Vegetable Salad That Feels Fresh and Vibrant
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces; 10 oz snap peas, sliced diagonally; 8 oz radishes, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios; 5 oz fresh spinach; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Zest and juice of 2 lemons; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon honey

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe

A bright, fresh, and spring-forward salad perfect for Easter gatherings, featuring crisp seasonal vegetables, a zesty lemon dressing, and effortless prep.

When spring finally shows up, I start craving color on my plate. This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad brings that fresh, green energy straight to the table. It feels crisp, light, and alive. And honestly, after all the sweets and rich dishes, this is exactly what I want to eat.

Why This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad Works

This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad works because it keeps things simple and seasonal. It also comes together in about 15 minutes, which helps when Easter cooking gets busy. Meanwhile, the lemon dressing pulls everything together with bright, clean flavor.

Fresh Seasonal Flavor

Spring vegetables shine in this salad. The asparagus tastes tender and grassy. The snap peas add sweet crunch. Meanwhile, the radishes bring a gentle peppery bite. Together, they create balance in every forkful.

Fast Prep for Holiday Meals

Holidays can feel hectic. However, this Simple Easter Vegetable Salad moves quickly from prep to table. You blanch the asparagus, whisk the dressing, then toss everything together. As a result, you free up time and oven space for other dishes.

Light, Vibrant, and Crowd-Pleasing

This salad feels light but still satisfying. It adds beautiful color to your Easter spread. In fact, it pairs perfectly with heavier main dishes. So even guests who love rich food usually appreciate this fresh contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather and prep all ingredients. That way, everything flows smoothly. Fresh vegetables make a big difference here, so choose the best you can find.

Salad Ingredients

20 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
10 oz snap peas, sliced diagonally
8 oz radishes, thinly sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup roasted salted pistachios
5 oz fresh spinach
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Lemon Dressing Ingredients

Zest and juice of 2 lemons
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey

Notes on Quality and Freshness

Look for asparagus with firm stalks and tight tips. Meanwhile, snap peas should snap cleanly when bent. Also, dry your spinach thoroughly. Excess water can thin the dressing and soften the vegetables too quickly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easter Vegetable Salad

This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad comes together fast. So read through the steps first, then move confidently.

Make the Lemon Garlic Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly. The dressing should turn glossy and slightly thick. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

Blanch the Asparagus for Perfect Texture

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer the asparagus to ice water. This step stops the cooking and keeps the color vibrant. After that, drain well and pat dry.

Toss, Dress, and Serve the Salad

In a large bowl, combine spinach, asparagus, snap peas, radishes, and green onions. Add the pistachios for crunch. Then pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Simple Easter Vegetable Salad with asparagus lifted on spoon — A close-up spoonful of Simple Easter Vegetable Salad with fresh asparagus and parmesan

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

Small details make this Simple Easter Vegetable Salad truly shine. So pay attention to texture and timing.

Avoid Overcooking the Vegetables

Do not overcook the asparagus or snap peas. They should stay slightly crisp. If they turn dull or too soft, the salad loses its lively feel.

Keep Ingredients Dry for Maximum Crispness

After blanching, dry the asparagus completely. Also, dry the spinach before mixing. Extra moisture can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.

When and How to Dress the Salad

Dress the Simple Easter Vegetable Salad right before serving. Meanwhile, you can prepare the dressing ahead and store it in the refrigerator. As a result, the vegetables stay fresh and crisp until the last minute.

Easy Ingredient Swaps and Variations

You can easily adjust this Simple Easter Vegetable Salad. Therefore, feel free to work with what you have on hand.

Vegetable Substitutions

Swap asparagus for green beans or broccolini. You can also replace snap peas with snow peas or English peas. Each option keeps that bright spring flavor.

Nut and Green Alternatives

If pistachios are not available, try almonds or walnuts. Likewise, you can use arugula or mixed greens instead of spinach for a slightly bolder taste.

Dressing Adjustments

Use whole grain mustard if you prefer more texture. Meanwhile, reduce the honey for less sweetness. If you love extra brightness, add more lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions for Easter and Beyond

This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad fits beautifully into many meals. It works for Easter, but it also suits spring brunches and simple dinners.

Light Meal or Side Dish Options

Serve it alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or glazed ham. It also pairs nicely with quiche at brunch. Because it feels fresh and light, it balances richer dishes effortlessly.

Pairings for Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner

Round out your Easter table with sweet treats like Egg Easter Cupcakes for a sweet holiday treat or Easter Bunny Button Cookies for a fun festive dessert. You can also add Lemon Blueberry Cake as a bright Easter dessert option or serve Easter Trifle Dessert for colorful layered sweetness. The contrast between fresh salad and festive desserts creates a joyful, balanced meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guidance

Although this Simple Easter Vegetable Salad tastes best fresh, you can prep parts in advance.

Prepping Components in Advance

Slice the radishes and green onions up to two days ahead. Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus and store it in the fridge. Keep all components separate until serving.

How Long Ingredients Keep Fresh

Prepared vegetables stay fresh in airtight containers for up to two days. Also, store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

What to Expect if Dressed Early

If you dress the salad too early, the spinach may wilt. The flavor will still taste good. However, the texture will soften. Therefore, wait until just before serving for the best result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a good Easter salad?

A good Easter salad feels fresh, colorful, and seasonal. This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad works well because it highlights spring vegetables and balances heavier holiday dishes.

What are the 7 basic types of salads?

The seven basic types include green salads, vegetable salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, grain salads, protein salads, and bound salads like potato or chicken salad.

What is a Jennifer Aniston salad?

The Jennifer Aniston salad typically includes bulgur, chickpeas, herbs, cucumber, and feta. It focuses on fresh ingredients and light flavors, similar in spirit to this vegetable-forward salad.

What is a traditional Easter menu?

A traditional Easter menu often includes glazed ham or lamb, roasted vegetables, potatoes, fresh salads, and festive desserts. Adding this Simple Easter Vegetable Salad brings brightness and balance to that classic spread.

More Such Recipes

If you are planning a full Easter spread, these festive desserts pair beautifully with your Simple Easter Vegetable Salad. Each one adds color and sweetness to your table.

Simple Easter Vegetable Salad with asparagus, radishes, and parmesan close-up — Macro close-up of Simple Easter Vegetable Salad with glossy asparagus and shaved parmesan

Conclusion

This Simple Easter Vegetable Salad proves that simple ingredients can create something beautiful and satisfying. It comes together quickly, it tastes fresh and vibrant, and it brings balance to any Easter table. So when you need something crisp and colorful this spring, this salad truly delivers.

Table of Contents