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?
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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
