Simple Spring Salad Recipe

This simple, fresh, and affordable spring salad is a celebration of all things green and crunchy. In just 15 minutes, you can toss together a vibrant mix of vegetables that's as versatile as it is delicious. This salad is a surefire way to add a touch of spring to your table.

This spring salad features vibrant colors and crisp textures of the fresh, in-season vegetables! And the flavor? It's a perfect balance of peppery, tangy, and creamy that's incredibly satisfying. 

This spring salad is a family favorite, and if you enjoy it, you might also like my creamy potato salad or my radish salad, which is always a hit at picnics and barbecues.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients
• How to Make Spring Salad
• Tips for Making the Best Spring Salad
• Serving Suggestions 
• Recipe Variation Ideas 
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How to Store Leftovers
• More Recipes You'll Enjoy
• Recipe Card
• Spring Salad Recipe
• Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This spring salad is a cinch to prepare. Just wash, cut, mix, and enjoy. It's that simple!
• Classic Flavors: The combination of fresh vegetables with creamy mayo and sour cream dressing is a classic that never fails to satisfy.
• Family Favorite: This salad is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family meal option.
• Healthier Choice: With its mix of fresh vegetables and light dressing, this salad is a healthy choice that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this spring salad recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Long English Cucumber: This will add a fresh, crisp texture to the salad, and the green color will enhance the salad's springtime appeal.
• Radish: These will bring a peppery bite to the salad, adding a nice contrast to the other, milder flavors.
• Chives: These will infuse the salad with a subtle onion flavor and add a pop of color.
• Cauliflower: This will provide a hearty, slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Broccoli: Like the cauliflower, this will add crunch, but it also brings a slightly more bitter note, balancing out the sweeter flavors of the other vegetables.
• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These will be used to make a creamy, tangy dressing that coats all the vegetables, bringing the whole salad together.
• Salt: This will enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables and the dressing, making them more pronounced and enjoyable.

How to Make Spring Salad

Making this incredible spring salad is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and cutting all the vegetables. Make sure they're all cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Mix the Vegetables: Next, mix all the cut vegetables in a large bowl. You can mix and match the vegetables as you like, it's all about personal preference.

Make the Dressings: Now, in a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sour cream. Then, pour this over the vegetables and toss everything together until well coated.

Season and Serve: Add salt to the salad, mix it in, then it's ready to serve. Enjoy your fresh, crunchy, and healthy spring salad!

 For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.

Tips for Making the Best Spring Salad

• Choose fresh, crisp vegetables: For this spring salad recipe, always opt for fresh and crisp vegetables. The Long English cucumber, radish, chives, cauliflower, and broccoli should all be firm to the touch and free from any blemishes.
• Keep the vegetables crunchy: To maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables, make sure not to over-soak them in the dressing. The mayonnaise and sour cream should lightly coat the vegetables, preserving their crisp texture.
• Let it chill: After mixing the vegetables and the dressing, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.
• Don't be afraid to add: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal. You can also throw in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
• Be flexible with the veggies: Don't hesitate to use other veggies that are in season. You can easily swap out the radishes or cauliflower for whatever fresh, crunchy vegetables you have on hand. 

Serving Suggestions 

• Looking for a light lunch? Pair this refreshing spring salad with a grilled chicken breast. The protein will make the meal more satisfying, while the crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast.
• For a picnic or barbecue, this spring salad is the perfect side dish. Serve it alongside grilled burgers or hot dogs for a healthy, colorful addition to your menu.
• This spring salad also makes a great topping for tacos or wraps. Simply add some seasoned black beans and a sprinkle of cheese, and you have a delicious and nutritious meal.
• Want a more substantial dinner? This salad pairs beautifully with a piece of grilled salmon. The rich, fatty fish is a perfect complement to the light, fresh vegetables in the salad.

Recipe Variation Ideas 

This delicious spring salad recipe is perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

• Herby: If you're a fan of fresh herbs, this variation is for you. Simply add a handful of chopped fresh dill and parsley to the salad. The herbs will add a refreshing and aromatic flavor that compliments the crisp vegetables perfectly.
• Protein-Packed: For those who like a bit more protein in their salad, mix in a cup of cooked, diced chicken or chickpeas. The added protein will make the salad more filling, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
• Nuts: You can also top it off with some chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
• Seasonal: Take advantage of the season's best produce by adding other fresh veggies that are in season. Try adding some crisp, sweet peas, asparagus or colorful cherry tomatoes. Feel free to even add some seasonal fruits like strawberries to make it a summer salad during the summer months.

How to Store Leftovers

• Storing: This spring salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend allowing the salad to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes and giving it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
• Freezing: Due to the high water content of the vegetables and the nature of the dressing, this salad does not freeze well. When thawed, the vegetables will become mushy and the texture will not be appetizing.

Recipe Card

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This recipe was originally posted on September 22, 2014 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.