11 Easy & Delicious Easter Salad Recipes for Your Holiday Menu

What’s a festive Easter feast without vibrant, refreshing salads? Often, the challenge lies in finding recipes that are both delicious and simple to prepare, especially amidst the holiday rush.

To create the perfect Easter salad, combine fresh, seasonal ingredients with a flavorful dressing, ensuring a balance of textures and tastes that complement your main course.

With years of experience in crafting holiday menus, I’ve discovered that the key to a memorable Easter meal lies in the details – starting with the salads. This curated collection of 11 easy and delicious Easter salad recipes is designed to elevate your holiday menu. You’ll find classic favorites, creative twists, and options to suit every palate, all while keeping preparation stress-free. From light and zesty to rich and savory, get ready to discover your new favorite Easter salad recipes!

1. Classic Deviled Egg Salad

Deviled egg salad combines hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and relish for a creamy, tangy side dish.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Paprika and fresh chives for garnish

Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh chives before serving.

2. Spring Pea and Mint Salad

Spring pea and mint salad offers a bright, refreshing taste with a simple combination of peas, mint, and a light vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas, blanched
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Blanch the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
2. In a salad bowl, combine the blanched peas and chopped mint leaves.
3. Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the peas and mint, tossing gently to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Creamy Cucumber and Dill Salad

Creamy cucumber and dill salad blends crisp cucumbers with a tangy dill-infused dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to drain excess moisture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
3. Rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry.
4. Combine the cucumbers with the dressing, tossing gently to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

4. Zesty Lemon Asparagus Salad

Lemon asparagus salad showcases tender asparagus spears tossed in a bright, zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Steps:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill or roast the asparagus for 8-10 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the cooked asparagus.
6. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.

5. Fruity Berry Spinach Salad

Berry spinach salad is a delightful mix of fresh spinach, vibrant berries, and a light, fruity vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
2. If desired, add crumbled goat cheese and candied pecans or walnuts.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Tangy Carrot and Raisin Salad

Carrot and raisin salad offers a sweet and tangy combination, featuring shredded carrots, plump raisins, and a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded carrots and raisins.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
3. Pour the dressing over the carrot and raisin mixture, tossing well to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon and feta salad is a surprisingly delightful combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Balsamic glaze (optional)

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Add the chopped mint leaves.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon and feta mixture.
5. Toss gently to combine.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, before serving.

8. Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese salad skewers provide a fun, portable twist on the classic Caprese, featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 8 ounces small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil (optional)
• Wooden Skewers

Steps:

1. Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer.
2. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
3. Arrange the skewers on a platter.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil, if desired, before serving.

9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean quinoa salad is a hearty, flavorful salad packed with quinoa, vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Let it cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and Kalamata olives.
3. Add the crumbled feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Avocado and Grapefruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

Avocado and grapefruit salad offers a creamy and tangy flavor profile, pairing buttery avocado with juicy grapefruit segments.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 2 grapefruits, peeled and segmented
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Arrange the mixed greens on a platter or in a salad bowl.
2. Top with the sliced avocado and grapefruit segments.
3. Sprinkle with toasted almonds or walnuts, if desired.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and honey.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

Broccoli salad combines crunchy broccoli florets, sweet cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a creamy, tangy dressing. A great way to add a bit of crunch to your holiday is to enjoy a delicious broccoli salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and chopped red onion.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (or honey).
4. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, tossing well to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Tip: For a richer flavor, try adding crumbled bacon.

FAQs About Easter Recipes Salad

Can I make these salads ahead of time?

Yes, most of these salads can be prepared ahead of time. It’s best to store dressings separately and add them just before serving to maintain freshness.

What are some good substitutions for mayonnaise in these recipes?

Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vinaigrette dressing can be excellent substitutes for mayonnaise, offering a lighter, tangier alternative. You can learn more about healthy eating at ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Can I add protein to these Easter salads?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all fantastic additions to make these salads a more substantial meal.

Are these recipes suitable for dietary restrictions?

Many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets with minor substitutions. For example, use a plant-based yogurt to make a vegan creamy dressing.

How can I make my Easter salad presentation more festive?

Garnish your salads with edible flowers, fresh herbs, or colorful vegetables to add a touch of Easter flair. Use decorative serving bowls and arrange the ingredients artfully.

Summary

These 11 easy and delicious Easter salad recipes offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures to enhance your holiday menu. From classic favorites like deviled egg salad to refreshing combinations like watermelon and feta, there’s a perfect salad for every palate. You can also incorporate these tips into your next family gathering. Remember, the key to a memorable Easter meal is the balance of flavors and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. What will be your go-to Easter Salad this year?