A Tasty Tribute: Grandma’s Classic Spring Salad
As the flowers begin to bloom and the air fills with the sweet scent of new beginnings, I find myself reminiscing about the delightful spring days of my childhood spent in my grandmother’s garden. With vibrant petals swaying in the breeze, she would often gather fresh greens and colorful vegetables, tossing them into a large wooden bowl. Our family would gather for lunch on the porch, the laughter, stories, and warm sunshine blending into a beautiful melody of joy.
This spring salad is a special ode to those cherished moments, marrying crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and the crunch of radishes, all drizzled with a velvety homemade dressing. The vibrant colors and freshness scream spring, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether served at a backyard BBQ or a lovely picnic, this salad is sure to impress while inviting nostalgia to the table.
Why You’ll Love This DIY Spring Salad
- Fresh and vibrant ingredients
- Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly
- Quick one-bowl preparation
- Customizable for any palate
- A perfect companion for any meal
Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup radishes, sliced thin
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Greens
- Rinse & Chop: Start by washing your romaine lettuce well under cold water. Chop it into bite-size pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the radishes thinly, and diced the cucumber. Add all these vibrant additions to the bowl.
Making the Dressing
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Shake it Up: If using a jar, secure the lid and shake until well combined. If using a bowl, whisk until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Bringing it Together
- Mix: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss until everything is well coated, and garnish with crumbled feta for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Add Proteins: For a heartier salad, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
- Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, feel free to substitute with crumbled goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.
- Flavor Infusions: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an additional layer of flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: It’s not advisable to freeze salads, as fresh ingredients do not thaw well.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150
- Servings: 4
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other spring veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas according to your preference.
2. How long can I store the salad?
For the best flavor, consume within 2 days, keeping the dressing separate until serving.
3. Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative, and enjoy.
4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Pair this refreshing salad with grilled lemon herb chicken, a light white wine spritzer, or crusty garlic bread for a satisfying meal that welcomes the season.
Final Thoughts
This classic spring salad not only brings fresh flavors to your table but also echoes the warmth of family traditions and the beauty of nature. I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Share your thoughts, variations, or any personal touches in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Grandma’s Classic Spring Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing spring salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy radishes, paired with a homemade dressing.
Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup radishes, sliced thin
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse & Chop: Wash the romaine lettuce under cold water and chop it into bite-size pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the radishes, and dice the cucumber. Add to the bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Shake it Up: If using a jar, secure the lid and shake well. If using a bowl, whisk until smooth.
- Mix: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is coated. Garnish with crumbled feta.
Notes
Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. You can also swap feta for goat cheese or a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg