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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
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

Prepare the salad ingredients
  1. Wash and dry all the vegetables and fruits
  2. Slice the strawberries, cucumber, radishes, and cherry tomatoes
  3. Thinly slice the red onion
  4. 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
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
Assemble the salad
  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula (or mixed greens), sliced strawberries, cucumber, radishes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure all ingredients are well coated.
Add the finishing touches
  1. Sprinkle the roasted pecans and crumbled goat cheese (if using) over the top
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley for an extra burst of freshness
Serve
  1. Serve immediately as a light and vibrant side dish, or add grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal
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