Looking to brighten up your spring table? This Easter Salad is everything you want in a festive, crowd-pleasing side: a vibrant medley of crisp greens, sweet and savory toppings, and a zingy homemade dressing that instantly wakes up your palate. It’s the kind of salad everyone in my family looks forward to all year—colorful, nourishing, and so easy to prep ahead for an effortless holiday meal. Whether it steals the spotlight alongside the ham or balances out a plate of rich casseroles, this gorgeous Easter Salad always makes the meal feel extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of this Easter Salad brings something to the party, from fresh crunch to juicy sweetness to irresistible tang. These ingredients are pantry-and-fridge friendly, but choosing the freshest you can find really pays off in both flavor and presentation.

Mixed baby greens: Tender salad leaves form the perfect base—look for a vivid blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine.
Hard-boiled eggs: A classic Easter touch, these add creamy texture and protein; slice them just before serving for the prettiest presentation.
Radishes: Crisp, peppery slices add vibrant color and a little bite that balances the sweetness in the dish.
Asparagus: Lightly blanched, this spring veggie adds a bright, sculptural flourish to your Easter Salad.
Fresh strawberries: Their juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with tangy greens—slice right before topping so they stay vibrant.
Goat cheese: Creamy and tart, these crumbles create little flavor fireworks against the other ingredients.
Toasted almonds: Their crunch and buttery flavor play a delightful foil to the salad’s soft and crisp bits.
Homemade honey-mustard dressing: A tangy-sweet drizzle that ties the whole salad together—make a big batch, you’ll want to use it on everything!

How to Make Easter Salad

Step 1: Prep the Greens

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your mixed baby greens. I recommend a salad spinner for super crisp leaves, but you can pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Arrange the greens in a large bowl or on a festive platter for maximum color and crunch.

Step 2: Blanch the Asparagus

Trim the woody ends off your asparagus spears, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Drop them into boiling salted water for just 1 to 2 minutes—they should turn a lively green and stay snappy. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain well.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Scatter the blanched asparagus, sliced radishes, and halved strawberries over your greens. Nestle sliced hard-boiled eggs throughout the salad so every serving gets a pop of color and protein. Sprinkle over crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds for richness and contrast.

Step 4: Drizzle the Dressing

Right before serving, drizzle the homemade honey-mustard dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently if you like, or simply serve with the dressing on the side so everyone can add as much as they wish.

How to Serve Easter Salad

Easter Salad Garnishes

This salad is extra-lovely with a finishing touch of fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. For a little sparkle, add a pinch of flaky sea salt or an extra sprinkle of toasted almonds just before serving. Lemon zest also wakes up all the spring flavors and makes your Easter Salad really sing.

Side Dishes

Pair this fresh, lively salad with traditional favorites: think glazed ham, herby roast chicken, or a hearty spring quiche. It’s also the perfect counterpoint to decadent potato casseroles and buttery rolls—Easter Salad keeps the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a crowd, serve your Easter Salad on a big platter and let everyone help themselves. For an elegant touch, arrange individual salads in small bowls with a few extra toppings displayed on the side so guests can customize their own creation. Layering the ingredients in a clear trifle dish also makes for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Easter Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and only toss what you’ll eat, since dressed greens soften faster. Leftover salad will stay tasty for about 1 to 2 days, especially if you set aside delicate toppings like goat cheese and fresh herbs until serving.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze Easter Salad, as the greens and fresh ingredients lose their lovely texture once thawed. If you want to prep ahead, blanch the asparagus, boil the eggs, and mix the dressing a day or two in advance—store everything separately and combine just before serving.

Reheating

Most of the ingredients in Easter Salad are best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm asparagus, you can reheat it gently in a frying pan or quickly in the microwave before adding it to the chilled salad just before serving. Otherwise, keep everything cold and crisp for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use different greens in my Easter Salad?

Absolutely! Baby arugula, butter lettuce, or even shredded kale all work beautifully—just pick what’s freshest and most appealing to you.

What other cheese can I use if I don’t like goat cheese?

Try feta, ricotta salata, or even shaved parmesan for a different but equally delightful flavor profile in your salad.

Can I swap in other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes—fresh blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced grapes or mandarin segments add a fun and unexpected twist to your Easter Salad.

How do I make the honey-mustard dressing from scratch?

Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, juice of half a lemon, salt, and pepper. Taste and tweak to your liking before tossing with the salad.

Is this Easter Salad suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. If you want to make it vegan, simply swap the goat cheese for your favorite plant-based crumbles and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a fresh, colorful addition to your holiday spread, this Easter Salad will quickly become a staple. It’s easy to make ahead, always gets compliments, and brings the magic of spring to your table. Give it a try—you might just find it’s the dish everyone asks for year after year!

Easter Salad Recipe