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Spring salad with spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, radish and red onion with balsamic dressing.

Spring Salad Recipe

Spring in a bowl! This fresh and flirty salad brings together sweet strawberries, crunchy roasted pecans, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette that says, “I’m light, I’m bright, and I’ve got main character energy.” It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and totally irresistible—like sunshine for your taste buds.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 4 cups baby arugula (or mixed greens) (or mixed greens)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
  • 1 small cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup radishes thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted pecans or walnuts, if preferred
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese optional, for richness
  • Fresh herbs basil, mint, or parsley

For the Citrus Vinaigrette

  • 2 TBSP fresh orange juice
  • 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey optional for sweetness, add more to taste
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the salad ingredients

  • Wash and dry all the vegetables and fruits
  • Slice the strawberries, cucumber, radishes, and cherry tomatoes
  • Thinly slice the red onion
  • If you haven't done so already, roast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium head for about 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.

Make the citrus vinaigrette

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
  • Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.

Assemble the salad

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula (or mixed greens), sliced strawberries, cucumber, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  • Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all ingredients are well coated.

Add the finishing touches

  • Sprinkle the roasted pecans and crumbled goat cheese (if using) over the top
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley for an extra burst of freshness

Serve

  • Serve immediately as a light and vibrant side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal
Keyword spring salad