Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe

Nothing says fresh and vibrant like a Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe. This delightful dish captures the very essence of springtime with crisp asparagus spears, sweet snow peas, tender baby gem lettuce, and creamy goat’s cheese all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that feels both light and satisfyingly fresh, making it an absolute joy to share with friends or enjoy as a special treat for yourself. Whether as a bright side dish or a light lunch, this salad bursts with color and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding not only flavor but also texture and a pop of vibrant color that makes the dish so irresistible.

• 3 bunches asparagus (24 spears): Look for firm, bright green spears with woody ends snapped off for perfect tenderness.
• 120g snow peas (about 16 large or 20 smaller): Trimmed and strings removed, these add a crunchy sweetness that complements the asparagus.
• 1 head baby gem or cos lettuce (16 leaves): Washed and ready to go, its slight crispness provides a lovely base for the salad.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas: They bring a bright, sweet burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of green.
• 90g goat’s cheese: Crumbly and tangy, this cheese adds richness and a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables.
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed: Roughly torn for a refreshing herbal note that lifts every bite.
• 1 tsp lemon zest: Adds aromatic brightness that enlivens the dressing and salad.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy base for the dressing which enhances the vegetable flavors.
• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: The silky dressing binds everything together with a fruity depth.
• 1/4 tsp salt and pepper: Just enough seasoning to enhance but never overpower the natural flavors.

How to Make Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the boiling water

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil; this is essential for quickly blanching the vegetables to retain their crunch and vibrant color.

Step 2: Blanch the snow peas

Gently add the trimmed snow peas to the boiling water and let them cook for just 1.5 minutes. This keeps their crispness and bright sweetness intact, ensuring they don’t become mushy.

Step 3: Add the asparagus

Next, add the asparagus spears to the pot and boil them alongside the snow peas for another 1.5 minutes. The timing here is key to achieving that perfect tender-crisp bite.

Step 4: Add the peas

Finally, toss in the fresh or frozen peas and boil for an additional 30 seconds until they turn an inviting bright green. This quick cook keeps the peas sweet and slightly firm without overcooking.

Step 5: Refresh and drain the vegetables

Immediately drain the pot and run the vegetables under cold water to stop the cooking process. This refreshes the veg, locking in their color and crunch.

Step 6: Dry the vegetables thoroughly

Remove asparagus and snow peas first, patting them dry with paper towels to avoid watering down the dressing. Leave the peas in the colander, tossing occasionally to help them dry naturally or use a salad spinner carefully. Dryness is crucial so the dressing clings perfectly.

Step 7: Prep the lettuce

Split the larger baby gem leaves down the middle while using smaller leaves whole. This makes for an inviting base layer that’s easy to eat and visually appealing.

Step 8: Slice the asparagus

Cut the asparagus stems in half on a slight angle for elegant presentation and a better mouthfeel in the salad.

Step 9: Shake up the dressing

Into a jar, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until beautifully emulsified—the zingy dressing is what ties all the flavors together.

Step 10: Toss the salad

Combine all the blanched vegetables and lettuce in a bowl, pour over the dressing, and toss gently. Every piece should be lightly coated without being soggy.

Step 11: Arrange and serve

Arrange the dressed salad on a large platter. Scatter generous chunks of creamy goat’s cheese over the top and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, lively flavors at their best.

How to Serve Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle more torn fresh mint or even some toasted pine nuts on top. These add texture and elevate the herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the goat’s cheese.

Side Dishes

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a light but satisfying meal. It also pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread for soaking up the luscious dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual bowls or build small towers using a ring mold for an elegant dinner party presentation. Adding edible flowers adds a gorgeous pop of color perfect for spring celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve the crispness of the vegetables. Consume within 1-2 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This fresh salad is not suitable for freezing since the delicate vegetables and creamy goat cheese will lose their texture and freshness once thawed.

Reheating

Since the salad is best eaten fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature after removing from the fridge for a short while.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the goat’s cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts to maintain richness and texture.

What can I substitute for snow peas?

If snow peas are hard to find, sugar snap peas work beautifully as a crunchy, sweet alternative that complements the asparagus perfectly.

Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?

Canned peas tend to be softer and less vibrant, so they’re not the best choice if you want to keep the salad crisp and fresh. Frozen or fresh peas are ideal.

Is this salad suitable as a main course?

While it’s light, adding a protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa can easily transform this salad into a satisfying vegetarian main course.

How do I make sure the vegetables stay crisp?

The secret is the quick blanch and immediate cold water refresh to stop cooking, followed by thorough drying before dressing to keep every bite perfectly crunchy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a celebration of spring’s freshest offerings, you absolutely must try the Spring Salad with Asparagus, Snow Peas, and Goat’s Cheese Recipe. Its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and bright flavors make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip up this salad any time you want to bring a little sunshine to your table—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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