As the last wisps of winter’s chill dissipate, our taste buds crave lighter, brighter flavors that signal the arrival of spring. What better way to welcome the season than with a refreshing spring mix salad? In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the best of spring’s bounty: sweet strawberries, tangy citrus, savory goat cheese, and more.
From classic combinations like strawberry balsamic and avocado and citrus, to international inspirations like Asian sesame and Mediterranean flair, these salads are sure to delight. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions and stunning visuals to inspire your next meal.
Strawberry Balsamic Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of balsamic glaze, all on a bed of crisp mixed greens. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish to brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
2. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the greens.
3. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the strawberries.
4. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Avocado and Citrus Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado with vibrant citrus flavors, perfect for a light and healthy springtime meal or as a crunchy snack. With its simplicity and flavor, it’s a great way to celebrate the season.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup sliced blood oranges
– 1/4 cup sliced Meyer lemons
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
2. Arrange diced avocado on top of the greens.
3. Slice blood oranges and Meyer lemons into thin rounds. Place them on top of the avocado.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the citrus slices.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional orange or lemon slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required!)
Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of grilled peaches with the tanginess of goat cheese, all on a bed of crisp spring mix. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish is sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 4 cups spring mix greens
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill peach wedges for 2-3 minutes per side, or until caramelized.
3. In a large bowl, combine spring mix greens, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans (if using).
4. Arrange grilled peaches on top of the salad.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pomegranate and Walnut Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of pomegranate with the crunch of walnuts, all atop a bed of crisp spring greens. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
2. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and walnuts over the top of the greens.
3. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the salad as well.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep only)
Asian Sesame Spring Mix Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and flavorful Asian-inspired mix that combines the sweetness of spring vegetables with the nutty goodness of sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is also great for potlucks and picnics.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
– 1 cup sliced carrots
– 1/2 cup cooked edamame
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, red bell peppers, carrots, and edamame.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry and Feta Spring Mix Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing combination of sweet blueberries and tangy feta, perfectly balanced by crunchy spring mix. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, blueberries, and feta.
2. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Roasted Beet and Arugula Spring Mix Salad
A vibrant and flavorful spring salad featuring roasted beets, peppery arugula, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 4 cups arugula spring mix
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula spring mix, roasted beets, goat cheese, and pecans (if using).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Spring Mix Salad
A refreshing spring-inspired salad that combines succulent shrimp with the brightness of lemon and garlic, all atop a bed of crisp mixed greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups spring mix salad greens
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Combine the spring mix greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using) in a large bowl. Top with the cooked shrimp and drizzle with the lemon-garlic sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Spring Mix Salad
Fresh herbs and juicy chicken come together with crisp spring mix greens in this light and refreshing salad, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups spring mix greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Place chicken breast in a shallow baking dish and brush with herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a large bowl, combine spring mix greens, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
6. Slice cooked chicken and add to salad.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa and Chickpea Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creaminess of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a vibrant spring mix. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, mixed greens, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (assuming cooked quinoa)
Apple Cider Vinaigrette Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad is perfect for a light and tangy side dish or a satisfying lunch. The sweetness of the apple cider vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the crunch of the spring mix greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups spring mix greens
– 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinaigrette (see below)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spring mix greens.
2. Drizzle Apple Cider Vinaigrette over the greens and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) over the salad.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tomato Basil Spring Mix Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for spring, this recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of basil, all on a bed of crisp mixed greens.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (spring mix)
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
2. Top the greens with the diced tomatoes and chopped basil.
3. If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top of the salad.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, tossing to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cucumber Dill Spring Mix Salad
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this Cucumber Dill Spring Mix Salad is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With its crunchy textures, tangy flavors, and vibrant colors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next potluck or BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber slices, and chopped fresh dill.
2. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and white wine vinegar; toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time: 5 minutes, cooking time: 0 minutes)
Pear and Gorgonzola Spring Mix Salad
Celebrate the flavors of spring with this refreshing salad featuring tender pears, creamy gorgonzola, and crisp greens. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 2/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, pear, and Gorgonzola.
2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes
Spicy Mango Spring Mix Salad
Combine the sweetness of mango with the heat of jalapeño peppers in this refreshing spring mix salad, perfect for a light and healthy meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, mango, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and chopped jalapeño pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Roasted Sweet Potato and Spring Mix Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the freshness of spring mix. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, spring mix, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped nuts (if using). Toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Spring Mix Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for any occasion, this Mediterranean Spring Mix Salad combines the bright flavors of the season with the simplicity of a mixed green base.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
2. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese on top of the greens.
3. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the salad.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Citrus Ginger Spring Mix Salad
This refreshing salad combines the brightness of citrus fruits with the warmth of ginger, perfect for a light and revitalizing meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens.
2. Add the orange segments on top of the greens.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey until well combined.
4. Pour the citrus dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle grated ginger evenly over the salad.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. If using feta cheese, crumble it on top of the salad.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Spring Mix Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for any occasion, featuring the rich flavor of smoked salmon paired with crisp spring mix and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 4 cups spring mix greens
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
2. Flake the smoked salmon over the salad.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Warm Bacon and Spring Mix Salad
Warm Bacon and Spring Mix Salad Recipe
This recipe brings together the sweetness of spring mix greens with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a warm and cozy package. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed spring greens
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix greens, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional cherry tomatoes if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to welcome spring with these 20 refreshing salad recipes! From classic combinations like strawberry balsamic and tomato basil, to innovative pairings like grilled peach and goat cheese and spicy mango, there’s something for everyone. With a variety of flavors and textures, you’ll find the perfect mix to brighten up your plate. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fruity or rich and savory, these salads are sure to delight.