Bright Fresh Spring Salad with Basil Dressing
A vibrant spring salad featuring blanched asparagus, sweet peas, and a bright basil dressing, balanced with peppery radishes, creamy avocado, crumbled feta, and crunchy toasted pistachios and chickpeas for a texturally rich, seasonal dish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Basting/Blanching
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Asparagus – 1 bunch, trimmed
Frozen peas – ½ cup
Salad greens – A few handfuls (mix of spinach, arugula, or butter lettuce)
Radishes – 2, thinly sliced
Feta cheese – ½ cup crumbled
Avocado – ½, sliced at service
Pistachios – ¼ cup chopped, toasted
Roasted chickpeas – ½ cup
Fresh herbs (like mint) – A few sprigs
Sea salt – To taste
Fresh basil leaves – ¼ cup packed
Garlic clove – 1 small, minced
Fresh lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
Lemon zest – ½ teaspoon
Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon (alcohol-free alternative to white wine vinegar)
Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Trim asparagus and bring salted water to boil
Blanch asparagus for 1 minute
Prepare salad greens as base
Thinly slice radishes
Crack feta cheese
Toast pistachios in dry pan for 3 minutes
Whisk basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, and olive oil to create dressing
Toss blanched asparagus, peas, radishes, and roasted chickpeas in dressing
Transfer to serving bowls
Top with cheese, avocado, pistachios, and herbs
Season with sea salt and pepper
Notes
For alcohol-free vinegar substitute white wine with apple cider
Thin asparagus spears blanch faster and retain crunch
Add peas directly frozen for texture
Store leftovers in airtight containers for 2 days
Feta adds tanginess while remaining halal-compliant
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://glazerush.com/bright-fresh-spring-salad-ideas/