Spring Salad with Goat Cheese featuring fresh greens and colorful vegetables

Spring Salad with Goat Cheese

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Spring Salad with Goats Cheese is a delightful dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner. This salad showcases vibrant vegetables like asparagus and peas, paired with creamy goats cheese to create a satisfying meal. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a favorite during the spring season.

How to Make Spring Salad with Goats Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 3 bunches (24 spears) asparagus, woody ends snapped off (Note 1)
  • 120g / 4oz snow peas (about 16 large or 20 smaller ones), trimmed and string removed
  • 1 head baby gem or cos lettuce (aka romaine), washed (16 leaves, Note 2)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (Note 3)
  • 90g / 3oz goats cheese
  • 1 cup (loosely packed) fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice
  • 6 tbsp (90ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Add snow peas to the pot and boil for 1½ minutes.
  3. Add the asparagus spears and boil for another 1½ minutes.
  4. Add frozen peas and boil for another 30 seconds or until the water just returns to a simmer and peas turn bright green.
  5. Immediately drain the vegetables and refresh them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
  6. Remove the asparagus and snow peas. Blot with paper towels to dry. Leave peas in the colander to drain, giving them a toss now and then to help them dry. (It’s important to dry vegetables, as otherwise, it dilutes the dressing and it won’t stick.)
  7. Split the larger baby cos leaves down the middle and use the small ones whole.
  8. Cut asparagus stems in half on a slight angle.
  9. Shake the dressing ingredients in a jar.
  10. Combine the vegetables in a bowl, dress, and toss.
  11. Arrange the salad on a platter. Top with small chunks of goats cheese. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Spring Salad with Goats Cheese

Serve this salad fresh on a large platter. It’s great on its own or with bread. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

How to Store Spring Salad with Goats Cheese

This salad is best enjoyed right away. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The vegetables may lose their crunch and the dressing can make them soggy if left too long.

Tips to Make Spring Salad with Goats Cheese

  • Make sure to dry your vegetables well after boiling; this helps the dressing stick better.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of goats cheese to your liking.
  • For added flavor, you can include nuts or seeds like walnuts or sunflower seeds.

Variation

You can add other seasonal vegetables like radishes or cherry tomatoes. If you prefer a different cheese, feta or fresh mozzarella work well too.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to make this salad just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crunchy.

2. What if I can’t find goats cheese?
You can substitute with feta or even ricotta for a different flavor.

3. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work well and will just need a quick boil to heat through.