9 Spring Salad Ideas: Best Fresh Recipes for the Season

Spring brings a bounty of fresh, crisp vegetables that are perfect for creating light and refreshing salads. These spring salad recipes highlight seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, broccoli, and corn for dishes that celebrate the season’s flavors.

Blueberry yogurt parfaits topped with marshmallows and almonds on a table. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love These Recipes

Quick and Easy: Most of these spring salad recipes come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Options: From light side salads to hearty main dish salads, there’s something for every occasion and preference.
Seasonal Ingredients: These recipes feature the best spring produce at their peak flavor and freshness.
Customizable: Each salad can be adapted based on what’s available or your taste preferences, making them flexible for any spring meal.

Fresh Spring Fruit Salads

Brighten up your table with these sweet and refreshing fruit salads that are perfect for spring gatherings and brunches.

Bowl of fruit salad with marshmallows, garnished with cherries and oranges. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Lemon Blueberry Fruit Salad Recipe with Cool Whip: This bright and zesty fruit salad combines juicy blueberries with tangy lemon and creamy Cool Whip for a refreshing spring dessert or side dish.
Easy Ambrosia Salad Recipe: A classic creamy fruit salad that’s perfect for spring brunches, featuring a delightful mix of fruits, marshmallows, and a sweet, fluffy dressing.
Marshmallow Fruit Salad with Blueberries: This light and fluffy blueberry fluff salad makes a perfect spring side dish or dessert, combining fresh blueberries with marshmallows in a creamy base.

Hearty Spring Pasta Salads

These pasta salads are perfect for spring gatherings and make excellent meal prep options for busy weeks ahead.

Macaroni salad topped with sliced eggs, paprika, and green onions. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Dill Pasta Salad: This herb-infused pasta salad features fresh dill that adds a bright spring flavor, making it perfect for picnics and outdoor meals as the weather warms up.
Easy Deviled Egg Pasta Salad: Combining two spring favorites—deviled eggs and pasta salad—this recipe creates a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Easy Cold Italian Tortellini Salad Recipe: This hearty cheese tortellini salad with pepperoni and Italian seasonings makes a filling spring lunch or side dish that can be prepared ahead of time.

Vegetable-Based Spring Salads

Celebrate spring’s fresh produce with these vegetable-forward salads that showcase seasonal ingredients.

Colorful tomato salad with herbs on a plate, surrounded by fresh tomatoes. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Cold Broccoli Salad: This crunchy broccoli salad combines fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing for a refreshing spring side dish that pairs well with grilled proteins.
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Balsamic & Feta: As early tomatoes start appearing in spring, this simple salad highlights their fresh flavor with tangy balsamic vinegar and creamy feta cheese.
Elote Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese: This Mexican-inspired corn salad brings a touch of zesty flavor to your spring table with fresh corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy, spiced dressing.

Seasonal Spring Salad Collections

Looking for even more inspiration? These comprehensive collections offer plenty of spring salad ideas for every occasion.

Collage of two summer pasta recipes. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Easy Healthy Salad Ideas – Meal Prep Salad Ideas: This collection features easy-to-prepare healthy salads that are perfect for spring meal planning and busy weekdays.
20 Simple Green Salad Recipes for the Best Side Dish: Explore this roundup of green salad recipes featuring spring lettuces and vegetables for quick and easy side dishes to complement any meal.
37 Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipes: Get ahead of the season with these pasta salad recipes that transition perfectly from spring into summer, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.

Storing Tips for Spring Salads

Preparation: For best results, keep dressings separate from salad ingredients until ready to serve to prevent wilting.
Refrigerator: Store undressed salad greens in an airtight container lined with paper towels for 3-5 days. Dressed salads should be consumed within 24 hours.
Meal Prep: Prepare hearty components like pasta, potatoes, or proteins ahead of time, then assemble with fresh vegetables just before serving for the best texture.
Reviving: If greens begin to wilt, soak them in ice water for 10 minutes, then use a salad spinner to dry thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These spring salads pair wonderfully with many dishes from the site. Try serving your salads alongside Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs for a light and healthy meal. For a heartier option, pair with The Best Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles for a fun contrast of flavors.

For a complete spring meal, add some Farmers Market Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole for brunch gatherings, or finish with a sweet treat like Pumpkin Banana Bread for dessert.

Chicken and waffle sandwich with syrup on a white plate. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

FAQs

How do I keep my spring salad greens fresh?

For the freshest spring salad greens, wash them thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner. Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. Replace the paper towel if it becomes damp.

What are the best spring vegetables for salads?

The best spring vegetables for salads include asparagus, peas, radishes, spring onions, baby spinach, arugula, and watercress. These vegetables are at their peak during spring months and offer fresh flavors and textures.

Can I make spring salads ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare many components of spring salads ahead of time. For pasta salads like Dill Pasta Salad, you can make them a day in advance. For green salads, prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving.

How can I make my spring salad more filling?

To make a spring salad more filling, add protein sources like chicken, hard-boiled eggs (try the Instant Pot Egg Salad method), or add hearty elements like those in Loaded Instant Pot Potato Salad.

What dressings work best with spring salads?

Light, bright dressings complement spring salads beautifully. Try the honey mustard dressing from Apple Pomegranate Salad or create a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs for a versatile option.