Food and Recipes Entertaining Ideas & Tips 42 Spring Salad Recipes That Are Fresh And Colorful In-season ingredients are the star of these dishes. By Alana Al-Hatlani Alana Al-Hatlani Alana Al-Hatlani is an Assistant Food Editor at Southern Living. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 27, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall These spring salad recipes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy many of the season's fresh fruits and veggies. Simple preparation and seasonal ingredients make these salad recipes perfect for the season. Our colorful spring salads come together in a jiffy; no need to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you want a light side salad or a heartier salad for a main dish, a few quick steps and a couple of your favorite ingredients and these spring salads will wow any spring party guest. Plus, many of our favorite spring salads will pair beautifully with your Easter ham. Beyond basic lettuce and dressing, we've added flavorful parings like poached shrimp and orzo, strawberries and bacon, and crispy chicken and broccoli. Take a look through our best-ever spring salad recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients and choose the one you just can't resist. 29 Spring Farmers' Market Recipes Full Of Seasonal Flavor 01 of 42 Sugar Snap Pea Salad Frederick Hardy II, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley Just as spring begins, you'll find sweet and crisp sugar snap peas in abundance in the produce section. Halved lengthwise, the snaps add a perfect crunch to this salad while edible blooms, like nasturtiums, bring in a pop of color. Lemon and parmesan-y breadcrumbs are the finishing touch. get the recipe 02 of 42 Cucumber-Chickpea Salad with Feta-Mint Vinaigrette Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This greek-inspired cucumber salad is the perfect way to ring in cucumber season when they're freshest in May. Toss with crunchy chickpeas, fresh herbs, tangy onion, and crumbled feta. get the recipe 03 of 42 Citrus-Avocado Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely While we love iconic mayo-based Southern salads like potato and eggs, this fresh and juicy citrus and avocado one is ideal for ringing in spring. get the recipe 04 of 42 Field Pea Fattoush Salad Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners If you like panzanella-style salads, you'll love this Middle Eastern version with pieces of toasted pita bread, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, field peas, mint, and lettuce. get the recipe 05 of 42 Spinach Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox There's nothing bacon doesn't make better, and that includes this spinach salad which calls for reserving some of the bacon drippings to use as the dressing. get the recipe 06 of 42 Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Clair Spollen; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Fresh sugar snap peas, dill, shallots, and lemon juice bring plenty of flavor to this shrimp pasta salad. All you need in 30 minutes of hands-on time. "This salad is delicious! It is worth the time and effort to prepare," says one reader. get the recipe 07 of 42 Herbed Chicken-and-Rice Salad ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; FOOD STYLING: ALI RAMEE; PROP STYLING: CHRISTINE KEELY Serve this dish as a full meal for your next spring luncheon. Mix cooked and cooled basmati rice with shredded chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, almonds, celery, and herbs then toss with a simple vinaigrette for a hardy meal. get the recipe 08 of 42 Persian Chicken Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Chicken salad comes in all forms and flavors, but we especially love this flavorful one for spring. "This is such a fun twist on chicken salad! It's like all of my favorite Southern salads had a big party together. I especially love the crunchy radishes," says one reviewer. get the recipe 09 of 42 Grilled Baby Zucchini-and-Tomato Salad GREG DUPREE; PROP STYLING: GINNY BRANCH; FOOD STYLING: ANNA HAMPTON Spring means grilling season is back and that's not limited to steaks and burgers. Grilled baby zucchini is the star of this salad with bursts of sweet cherry tomatoes, plus parsley and basil. get the recipe 10 of 42 Romaine Salad With Oranges And Radishes Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely It doesn't take a laundry list of ingredients to throw together a delicious salad. Simple salads like this one with baby romaine lettuce, orange segments, and thinly sliced radishes are the perfect addition to any spring menu. get the recipe 11 of 42 Spring Salad with Berries and Bacon Johnny Autry; Food and Prop Styling: Charlotte L. Autry Strawberries are the star in in this seasonal salad, with two cups tossed with cherry tomatoes, spring greens, and bacon, and another cup used to make the honey-Dijon vinaigrette. This sweet and savory salad is perfect for Mother’s Day brunch or a luncheon, and can be made heartier with shredded chicken or whole grains. For the dressing, it is so good, you’ll want to make extra. get the recipe 12 of 42 Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, And Burrata Salad With Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox If you're looking to impress company, this filling salad is just the thing. Ripe, in-season strawberries that give bursts of freshness are balanced with creamy burrata and crispy, salty prosciutto. "This is a showstopper for brunch," says one reader. get the recipe 13 of 42 Three-Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Tangy Creole Dressing VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLING: RISHON HANNERS; PROP STYLING: AUDREY DAVIS You've probably had three-bean salad, but not this ultimate Southern-style one. It's perfectly crunchy and colorful thanks to green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. get the recipe 14 of 42 Radish, Avocado, and Citrus Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Torie Cox How gorgeous is this fresh salad? Two types of radishes, avocado, and citrus provide incredible texture and color, while a honey-mustard dressing balances some of the sharper flavors. It definitely deserves a spot on the Easter table. get the recipe 15 of 42 Chicken-and-Quinoa Salad with Pepper Jelly Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Whether you love quinoa or are on the fence about it, this is a quick and easy dish that's ready in just 15 minutes. The quinoa adds texture and serves as protein in addition to the chicken. get the recipe 16 of 42 Avocado Chicken Salad Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins You only need 15 minutes to toss together this refreshing chicken salad. Pistachios add a little crunch while avocado lends a creaminess. Serve on a bed of mixed greens. get the recipe 17 of 42 Tangy Potato-Green Bean Salad Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Potato salad gets a fresh and crunchy twist with bright flavors and lots of yummy texture. Dill and chives add herby notes, Dijon vinaigrette provides tang, and sharp radishes add crunch. Make the dressing ahead of time for easy assembly. get the recipe 18 of 42 Mediterranean Shrimp and Couscous Salad Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely This delicious salad comes together in just 20 minutes and our test kitchen pros even say it tastes better the next day. Pearls couscous are the base of the salad with seasoned shrimp, herbs, and feta mixed in. get the recipe 19 of 42 Lemony White Bean Salad with Broccoli Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Served warm, this roasted salad is the perfect dish for a cool spring day. Fresh arugula, roasted broccoli, white beans, and shaved Parmesan are a hearty combination for lunch or dinner. get the recipe 20 of 42 Carrot Raisin Salad Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Inspired by Chick-fil-A's now-discontinued salad, this version is made with carrot ribbons. "My mother made this for years and I have always loved it," says one reviewer. "Sometimes I will substitute dried cranberries for the raisins and it works beautifully too." get the recipe 21 of 42 Smashed-Cucumber Salad Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely All you need is a simple mixture of cucumbers, red onions, sherry vinegar, whole-grain mustard, olive oil, salt, and sugar to toss together this light and refreshing salad. get the recipe 22 of 42 Strawberry-Spinach Salad Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Nothing says, "It's spring!" like a strawberry salad. Ripe strawberries, sharp blue cheese, and candied pecans are the perfect trifecta of salty, sweet, and crunchy. This salad would be delicious topped with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or boiled shrimp for added protein. get the recipe 23 of 42 Killed Lettuce Salad Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Whether you grew up knowing this dish as wilted lettuce or killed lettuce, the common thread is the greens are smothered in a dressing made with the bacon drippings. "My mother, her mother, and her mother have made "Wilted Lettuce," for generations," says Merry. Get The Recipe 24 of 42 Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Lemon Dressing Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Entertaining is easy with this delicious orzo salad tossed a lemon dressing. Spring forward asparagus, snap peas, and English peas, along with fresh herbs, add bright green color. It's light, fresh, and oh-so tasty. Why I'll Never Get Tired Of This Orzo Recipe get the recipe 25 of 42 Grilled Endive-and-Halloumi Salad with Strawberries Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Halloumi might not be a commonly used salad cheese, but when grilled, its firm texture softens. Paired with grilled endive, sweet strawberries, and spicy arugula this salad is bursting with flavor. get the recipe 26 of 42 Spring Mix Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Full of the season's finest vegetables and topped with herby goat cheese, this salad is the ultimate spring side. In-season asparagus, sugar snaps, and peas celebrate spring along with crunchy radish and fresh herbs, which are enhanced with a simple dressing of lemon and olive oil. The herb-covered goat cheese rounds can be made up to one day in advance. get the recipe 27 of 42 Crispy-Shrimp Salad with Avocado Dressing Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners This healthy spring salad makes an incredible dinner or lunch. Plus, you'll want to use this homemade avocado dressing as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for tacos. This quick and easy salad comes together in 20 minutes. get the recipe 28 of 42 Strawberry Caprese Salad IAIN BAGWELL You'll love this springy version of your favorite summer caprese, whether alone, on a bed of lettuce, or over crostinis. Marinating the ingredients is the key to building flavor in this salad. After marinating the mini mozzarella balls in a white balsamic vinaigrette and basil for 2 hours, fresh strawberries are added for the final 30 minutes. get the recipe 29 of 42 Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall As delicious as this new potato salad is, we particularly love that it can be made up to one week in advance. Our dijon dressing version is a lighter and more flavorful option than typical, mayonnaise-based potato salads. The pickled onions and dressing can both be made in advance, making the assembly of this salad even easier. get the recipe 30 of 42 Carrot- And- Cabbage Slaw With Sunflower Seeds Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch to this flavorful and colorful red cabbage and carrot salad. get the recipe 31 of 42 Deviled Egg Salad and Asparagus Tartines Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Torie Cox Classic egg salad finger sandwiches are made over for the season with this asparagus-topped, spiced version. Hot sauce makes this egg salad “deviled,” add more or a pinch of cayenne tailored to your audience’s heat tolerance. You can make the egg salad a day in advance, but toast the bread and assemble just before serving. get the recipe 32 of 42 Breaded Chicken Salad with Grapes, Honey, Almonds, and Broccoli Hector Sanchez We oven “fry” these breaded chicken cutlets for a lighter version instead of using fried chicken. The sweet, crunchy, and tangy formula of honey-Dijon, broccoli, nuts, and grapes is sure to be a hit. This gorgeous salad partners with breadsticks and cheese tortellini tossed with fresh basil, grape tomatoes, and Italian dressing. get the recipe 33 of 42 Arugula Salad with Bacony Croutons and Sherry Vinaigrette Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke Bacony croutons make this healthy salad taste totally indulgent. But the layers of arugula, blue cheese, Honeycrisp apple, cirspy bacon, and toasted pecans are hardly ho-hum. Sherry vinegar (or your favorite vinegar of choice) dressing is a balanced companion to the rich assembly of ingredients. get the recipe 34 of 42 Shaved Salad with Baked Pork Tenderloin Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Jones; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall You only need 20 minutes to prepare this shaved fennel, carrot, zucchini, and radish salad tossed with lemony honey-mustard vinaigrette. Serve with your favorite meat. get the recipe 35 of 42 Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food Styling: Torie Cox This colorful version of a classic Cobb is fresh, nutritious, and indulgent at the same time. To amp up the dressing, bacon (and drippings) are added to the red-wine vinaigrette. This salad is flexible, swap the shrimp for chicken or ham, and the blue cheese for feta, and several ingredients can be prepared a day ahead. get the recipe 36 of 42 BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons Photo: Alison Miksch If you're looking for the ultimate comfort salad recipe, give this BLT variety a try. Complete with buttermilk-parmesan dressing, it's rich and creamy. Cut down on cleanup while adding a flavor boost to the croutons by baking them on the same sheet pan as the bacon. Complete this salad with buttermilk-parmesan dressing, it's rich and creamy. get the recipe 37 of 42 Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Tender Boston lettuce, creamy avocados, and a generous amount of strawberries make this a fast, delicious, and pretty spring salad. The ginger-sesame white balsamic dressing is lightly sweet with a little zip. Modify the salad with additions, like watermelon and tomatoes for sweeter flavors, or go more savory with crumbled bacon or roasted garlic. get the recipe 38 of 42 Grilled Radish-and-Fennel Salad with Goat Cheese Toasts Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely With spring in swing, it’s time to dust off the grill and get creative with seasonal vegetables. Toss fennel and radishes and butter and grill them 4 to 5 minutes per side to bring out their sweetness. The salad comes together with lettuce leaves, a lemon-Dijon dressing, and grill-toasted baguette slices smeared with goat cheese and fresh dill. get the recipe 39 of 42 Pasta Shells with Spring Vegetables Alison Miksch Asparagus, sugar snap peas, and radishes pair with spring-fresh flavors of lemon and mint in this lovely pasta salad. Ricotta adds creaminess—half is tossed with the warm pasta shells and the other half is dolloped on top. This salad serves 6 in just 30 minutes. get the recipe 40 of 42 Caesar Salad with Garlicky Croutons Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Lindsey Lower; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer It's hard to beat a Caesar salad. This homemade version takes the classic to new heights with garlicky croutons and homemade dressing. get the recipe 41 of 42 Warm Mustard Potato Salad Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Swap out mayonnaise with tangy mustard-vinaigrette for a lighter, brighter potato salad. Baby Yukon gold potatoes, crispy bacon, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh chopped parsley creates a decadent combination, and especially flavorful when tossed with the warm dressing. To reduce time and multiple pans, the eggs can cook with the potatoes. get the recipe 42 of 42 Crispy Chicken-and-Broccoli Salad Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Crispy chicken and fresh broccoli make this garden salad an excellent choice for a light, spring meal. Tangy honey-Dijon dressing, sweet grapes, and crunchy almonds, broccoli, and chicken deliver flavors with wide appeal. A great make-ahead recipe, the broccoli base of the salad should chill at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld, and then add the chicken just before serving to preserve its crispy exterior. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit