Bright Spring Salad

This salad is basically spring in a bowl—crisp asparagus, sweet peas, peppery radishes, creamy avocado, and all the crunchy toppings I love (hello, pistachios and roasted chickpeas). Tossed with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of feta, it’s bright, simple, and full of flavor. I’ve been making it nonstop while all this gorgeous spring produce is at its peak!

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Bright Spring Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

Bright spring salad

• 1 bunch asparagus tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• ½ cup frozen peas thawed
• 4 ounce salad greens (I like little butter or little gems)
• 2 regular radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 rainbow radishes, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 avocado, pitted and diced
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped and toasted
• ½ cup roasted chickpeas
• Fresh herbs, for garnish (basil, mint and/or chives)
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Dressing

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, or a mix of basil and mint leaves
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more as desired
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

1. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch the asparagus for about a minute, or until tender but still bright green. Transfer to the ice water for another minute, then drain. Allow the asparagus to dry and transfer it back to the bowl and add the peas.

2. 2. Make the dressing: In a food processor, pulse together the basil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Season to taste, adding more oil as desired.
3. 3. Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the asparagus and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. 4. Assemble the salad. Arrange the salad greens on a platter, then layer the asparagus, peas, radishes, feta, avocado, pistachios, chickpeas, and herbs on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve.

If you are looking for another classic spring salad, this Lemony Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad is another one of my go-to’s!

Bon Appétit!
xx—BB