If you're looking for a good spring salad recipe, think beyond lettuce. Our list of spring salads is abundant with the season's harvest: asparagus, snap peas, radishes, potatoes and plenty of fresh herbs.
39 Bright Spring Salad Recipes
Updated on Apr. 29, 2025
1/39
Green Bean Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve up green beans in a whole new way—with a green bean salad recipe! The tangy flavors and crunch of these balsamic green beans complement any special meal or holiday potluck. —Megan Spencer, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Set this spring side salad on the table for a bright pop of green, red and purple. All you have to do is quickly blanch the green beans, then toss them with the vegetables and homemade vinaigrette.
2/39
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spinach salad looks best-dressed when it's dotted with luscious red strawberries and toasted pecans. Finish it out with a sweet poppy seed dressing. —Erin Loughmiller, Ridgecrest, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Strawberry spinach salad is a repeat lunch in my house when strawberries come into season during late spring. I always add a bit of cooked quinoa for extra protein, carbs and fiber.
3/39
Cobb Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Made on the fly by Hollywood restaurateur Bob Cobb in 1937, the Cobb salad is a world-famous American dish. Here's a fresh take, with all the original appeal and an extra-special presentation. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 575 calories, 52g fat (8g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 1171mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein.
Cobb salad is packed with protein and veggies, so it’s filling without feeling heavy. This is an easy salad to customize to your liking, which always makes me think of that one scene in Julie & Julia.
4/39
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever we're invited to potlucks, I'm always asked to bring a salad because people know it's one of my specialties. This dish is especially good on summer days when it's too hot to cook on the stove. —Deb Weisberger, Mullett Lake, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
Spring is a good time to clean the grill so it’s ready for summer. Break in the season by grilling chicken, then arrange the chicken slices over this creamy-but-light Caesar.
5/39
Greek Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heart of a Greek salad recipe is in the olives, feta, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dress it with olive oil and vinegar, then add more olives and cheese. —Arge Salvatori, Little Ferry, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
Red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and olives make the base of this Greek salad that’s tossed with a homemade vinaigrette and crumbled feta. Stretch the salad a bit more by serving the mix over a bed of leafy greens and croutons.
6/39
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tackle gatherings with a bright side dish. This tri-color pasta salad with broccoli, tomatoes, olives and a hardworking dressing is one of the easiest cold pasta salad recipes you could take. —Amanda Cable, Boxford, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 149 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Pasta salads are a true mark of summer, but you can easily bring them to a spring picnic or potluck. Toss the pasta and dressing with blanched asparagus, peas, lemon zest and tomatoes.
7/39
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
Here, spring spinach meets well-seasoned mustard dressing, hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits and slices of bright red onions for the ultimate spring salad. There’s room for other spring vegetables, too, like radishes and peas.
8/39
Lemon Orzo Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
This spring salad feeds a crowd thanks to a helping of orzo and a surplus of hearty vegetables. Lemon orzo salad gets better the longer it sits, so you can make it the day before serving.
9/39
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad is the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 326 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Eggs are technically available year-round, but peak egg production season for noncommercially raised chickens is in spring and summer. The taste of these spring eggs is incomparable. Of course, dill is abundant during spring, and dill and eggs go hand-in-hand.
10/39
Pina Colada Carrot Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet carrot salad, with pina colada yogurt, macadamia nuts and green grapes, has a tropical theme. Just mix and chill out. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 184 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
I adore carrots in the spring months, and this refreshing pina colada carrot salad makes great use of them. The all-orange carrots are beautiful here, but rainbow carrots would also look lovely.
11/39
Salmon Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The salmon in this easy salmon Caesar salad is lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. This makes the crunchy garlic-salt croutons stand out even more. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups salad with 1 salmon fillet: 616 calories, 49g fat (9g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1361mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
During warmer months, I’m all about the lighter proteins. Here, crispy salmon fillets top lightly creamy Caesar salads, with homemade croutons scattered on top.
12/39
Fresh Broccoli Salad with Lemon
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The slightly sweet flavor of this salad's dressing is a great contrast to the rich bacon. You can substitute cauliflower for the broccoli if you prefer. —Janet Roth, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, chewy raisins and tender mushrooms add a lot of complex texture to this spring side salad. A lightly creamy and subtly sweet dressing, made from cream cheese, lemon juice and mustard, ties everything together.
13/39
Chickpea Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I make this together with lots of fresh veggies, a light lemony dressing and salty, creamy feta to top it off. It's great for healthy lunches throughout the week. —Ali Bonsor, Kalispell, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 118 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
Our vegetarian-friendly chickpea salad has zero shortage of protein thanks to chickpeas and feta. Fresh herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions, tossed in a Mediterranean-style dressing, create freshness.
14/39
Kale Slaw Spring Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 192 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch.
This spring salad almost contains the entire harvest: kale, strawberries, romaine, fennel and broccoli. However, the strawberry-lemon-honey dressing might be the best part!
15/39
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
Say it with us: nee-SWAZ. We’ve added tuna to the original recipe, because why not? Play around with the salad a little more to fit it to your liking, if desired.
16/39
Strawberry-Blue Cheese Steak Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At lunch one day, a friend told me about a steak salad she'd had at a party. It sounded so fantastic that I had to try it for myself. My family would eat it nonstop if we could. We can't seem to get enough of that tangy dressing! —Alma Winberry, Great Falls, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
A few bold flavors—blue cheese, steak and walnuts—mellow out with sweet strawberries and refreshing romaine in this spring salad. It makes such a beautiful presentation for an Easter spread, Mother’s Day meal or spring get-together.
17/39
Spring Pea & Radish Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Winters can be very long here in New Hampshire. I always look forward to the first veggies of spring and making some lighter dishes like this fresh salad. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 50 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
I love that I can get all the components of this spring salad at a farmers market come April or May. Make a big batch for a spring potluck or picnic, as it holds well cold or at room-temperature for up to two hours.
18/39
French Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
French potato salad is vinegar-based instead of creamy. It is made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, scallions or shallots, and fresh herbs. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 201 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
French potato salad is a fantastic side for spring dinners. It’s not as heavy and creamy as other potato salads. I recently made this to go alongside a mustard-dill salmon with a side of asparagus. It was a gorgeous spring dinner.
19/39
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados with the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Light, wholesome and a great make-ahead meal, our shrimp avocado salad is reminiscent of citrusy shrimp ceviche. Serve it with tortilla chips as an appetizer to kick off dinner, or plate it over rice as the main course.
20/39
Chef Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling! —Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 171 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 227mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
The best lunch salad needs to be filling, easy to throw together and, of course, delicious. Our chef salad is abundantly filling, using hard-boiled eggs, deli turkey and deli ham that toss together quickly with a myriad of fresh, flavorful vegetables and Thousand Island dressing.
21/39
Veggie Nicoise Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it also delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meat, 11/2 starch.
Our vegetarian version of Nicoise salad gets protein from hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans. It’s just as fresh and full of flavor as the original, though, with a homemade lemon, mustard and herb dressing atop romaine, artichoke hearts, potatoes, olives and sliced red onions.
22/39
Cornbread Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed a crowd, especially when I want to make a good impression, I make this eye-popping cornbread salad. It’s beautiful in a trifle bowl. I love it in summer, when we can make it with our own garden produce. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 367 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
Cornbread salad is fashioned like a stunning dessert trifle, but in the form of a savory dinner. Hunks of cornbread layer with peppers, tomatoes, corn, pinto beans, cheese, bacon and a homemade creamy dressing.
23/39
Citrus-Tarragon Asparagus Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this colorful salad when I was invited to a friend's Easter egg hunt and potluck picnic. The guests were begging to get my recipe. Let the flavors infuse overnight for the best taste. —Cheryl Magnuson, Apple Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Asparagus is plentiful during the spring, and anything growing during its peak season will taste its very best. We don’t need to do much to the asparagus here; just quickly broil it with peppers and toss it with a honey-tarragon dressing. Done!
24/39
Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Italian-style grilled veggies have a wonderful sweet and sour dressing. Best of all, I pick the fresh veggies and herbs from my garden. —Laura Mast, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 219 calories, 19g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
I love a simple weekday lunch or a quick, effortless side for dinner, and this grilled vegetable salad is exactly what I have in mind. If it’s for lunch, serve the grilled vegetables over toast to fill out the meal.
25/39
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
One of our most popular salad recipes, this strawberry poppy seed salad is exactly what you should make during late spring. Pick in-season strawberries that are ruby red to their core for the best flavor.
26/39
Fresh Sugar Snap Pea Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We found fresh sugar snap peas at our town's farmers market. They make a cheerful salad with a tangy dressing. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 86 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
I, too, can’t resist the bright green sugar snap peas when they come back in season. Next time you see them, buy 1 pound, and use them in this ultra-springy salad with its honey-thyme dressing.
27/39
Shrimp Caesar Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Jane and I have a favorite lunch spot that serves a fantastic salad on Wednesdays. I made my own version at home so I can share it with my family and eat it whenever I want. Save a lot of prep time and buy peeled, deveined shrimp and prewashed lettuce. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 405 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
Since Caesar salad’s dressing can lean a bit rich, I use it sparingly during the warmer months and always toss Caesar salad with a lighter protein. Here, shrimp cooked until crispy is the protein of choice.
28/39
4-Bean Salad
Skill Level
Advanced
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother gave me this recipe. It was actually a three-bean salad, but I added the garbanzo beans (which are also know as chickpeas). It goes over big at potlucks because it's not too sweet and not too sour. Be careful to get the vinegar and sugar mixture just right—no guessing on the amounts! —Hope Huggins, Santa Cruz, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 172 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
When hot dogs, burgers and bratwursts are the picnic or potluck’s mains, this salad makes a wonderful accompaniment. Although it’s wonderfully wholesome and vibrant, we made sure this salad also packs a flavor punch with green onions and a tangy dressing.
29/39
Cioppino-Mixed Green Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in California, the salad bowl of the United States, I’m inspired to cook nutritious meals like cioppino. Whenever my friends and I get together, this salad—a spin on the classic seafood stew—is the top request. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 285 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 888mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
Here, bone-warming Italian-American cioppino stew is transformed into a spring salad. All the usual cioppino favorites—shrimp, crabmeat, tomatoes and parsley—are found on a bed of mixed salad greens with basil, olives, artichoke hearts and hard-boiled eggs.
30/39
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Charleston, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
Full of protein, fiber and nutrients, this black-eyed pea salad contains its namesake legume plus fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, celery, basil, vinegar and mustard. It’s a great make-ahead meal to eat throughout the week. It holds up well and gets even better as it sits, marinating in the homemade dressing.
31/39
Pork Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make an easy-going meal in a bowl by tossing together healthful veggies, pork tenderloin, fresh herbs and spices with a warm soy dressing. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 229 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
Main-meal salads are satiating and nourishing, which is exactly what this springy pork salad offers. Serve it with a side of crusty bread as a way to round out the meal.
32/39
That Good Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, “Mom, please make that good salad.” Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Next time you crave a simple green salad tossed with a quick homemade dressing, reach for this salad recipe. True to its name, that good salad is loaded with the good stuff: bacon, Swiss, croutons, almonds, tomatoes and Parmesan.
33/39
Rotini Pasta Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a light meal, we toss rotini pasta with cucumber, zucchini and sweet peppers. Make this cucumber pasta salad into a main dish by adding grilled chicken. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without olives): 142 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
Pasta salad is a must when the weather starts to finally warm up. Our classic pasta salad combines all the spring favorites—red onions, zucchini, tomatoes, sweet red peppers, cucumbers and red onions—with salty olives and feta for flavor.
34/39
Bok Choy Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Depending on what I have at home, I sometimes use only the sunflower kernels or almonds in this bok choy salad. This recipe makes a big amount, perfect for cookouts or reunions. —Stephanie Marchese, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 240 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
Surprise: There are ramen noodles in this crunchy bok choy salad! I love this elevated spin on a salad—soy sauce dressing and all.
35/39
Salad with Avocado
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. —Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 130 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
Here’s a spring salad recipe that hits any time of year, but especially March through May when so many of its vegetables are in season. Keep it vegetarian-friendly, or top it with chicken or salmon for protein.
36/39
Bacon Salad
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves this bacon and avocado salad—even the younger kids! I serve it at pretty much every get-together I've hosted, and at this point, the recipe's been shared too many times to count. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 339 calories, 31g fat (7g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein.
When invites to barbecues start popping up, curb the faux pas of showing up empty-handed. The hosts should be set on burgers and brats, but they’ll super appreciate a wholesome and tasty side salad that feeds a crowd. Bacon salad checks every box!
37/39
Mediterranean Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
28 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Got a crowd coming over for a backyard barbecue? This crisp, big-batch Mediterranean salad recipe makes a great accompaniment to any main dish you fix on the grill. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 69 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
The Mediterranean diet is popular for good reason. Fresh, in-season ingredients are the focus, which is what makes this Mediterranean salad—filled with romaine, roasted red peppers, red onions, feta and olives—so nourishing and delicious during spring.
38/39
Salad with Salmon
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon spinach salad is really healthy and super fast. It's an absolute cinch to make after a long workday. —Karen Schlyter, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
When a meal is kept simple, the natural flavors get to shine. Here, salmon is broiled with a bit of balsamic vinegar, then arranged on a simple bed of spring spinach with avocado, walnuts, sunflower kernels and cranberries. That’s it, and it’s perfection!
39/39
Green Bean Potato Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For family reunions, my mom would make everybody's favorite green bean and potato salad. Now I'm the one who brings it. —Connie Dicavoli, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 183 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
Red potatoes and green beans arrive in early spring and last throughout the season, so they make a perfect duo for a spring salad. Even more perfect, though, are the refreshing additions of chopped mint and lemon zest in the light dressing.
Spring Salad FAQs
What do you put in a spring salad?
Spring salad recipes should showcase in-season vegetables like asparagus, peas, green beans, radishes, arugula, broccoli, leeks, collard greens, spinach and carrots. Fresh herbs grow abundantly in the spring and are a great addition to spring salads. Spring salad dressing recipes often contain mustard, lemon juice, shallots, quality olive oil, salt and pepper.
How can you add more protein to a spring salad?
Add more protein to a spring salad with light protein options. Meat-based proteins good for spring salads include chicken, salmon, seafood, bacon, ham (especially leftover Easter ham) and hard-boiled eggs. Plant-based protein sources perfect for spring salads are quinoa, navy beans, butter beans, almonds or walnuts. You can also add protein to a salad through cheese. Goat cheese, feta or Gruyere are best for spring salads.
What do you serve with a spring salad?
Serve a spring salad with other spring recipes or among an Easter or Mother’s Day spread. Many of these salads would be great with au gratin potatoes, a rainbow of herb-buttered baby carrots, this gorgeous vegetable garden tart that sings of spring, an ultra-seasonal split-pea soup and a main entree of pork, duck or ham.
