Burst of Spring Salad with Honeycitrus Kiss

My Burst of Spring Salad HoneyCitrus Vinaigrette

By Evelyn ThatcherSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Sunshine?

Fancy a bit of sunshine on a plate? This spring salad is like a burst of happiness. Imagine sweet strawberries, salty feta, and crunchy pecans dancing in a tangy honey lemon vinaigrette .

Trust me, it is a winner!

What’s the Big Deal?

This spring salad isn’t just any salad. It’s a celebration of Spring! Originating from the desire to showcase fresh produce after winter.

It’s super easy, only takes around 15 minutes. This makes about 4 servings. Perfect for a light lunch.

Why You’ll Love It

Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the berries and greens. This spring salad is healthy and delicious. The pecan and feta salad is perfect for a light spring lunch or a sophisticated side dish.

This easy salad recipe is quick to prepare. I sometimes add edible flowers. How posh is that?

Getting Started: What You'll Need

Ready to make this spring mix salad ? Grab your spring mix salad , strawberries, feta, and pecans. We are also going to use olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the citrus vinaigrette .

It's that easy.

Honestly, once I forgot the feta and used goat cheese instead. Not exactly the same, but still amazing! So don't stress if you need to make a little swap.

It's all about having fun.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Salad Started!

Okay, so you wanna make a banging spring salad ? It’s easier than making toast. Seriously. Here's the lowdown on what you'll need.

Don’t worry, it's all pretty basic. Even my nan could whip this up and she once burnt water. Let's get started on the Spring Salad Recipe!

Main Ingredients: The Fresher, The Better!

Spring mix salad greens : 6 ounces (170g) . Think vibrant colours and happy leaves. If it looks sad, bin it. You want this Spring Mix Salad to shine.
Fresh strawberries: 1 cup (150g) , hulled and sliced. Get the ones that smell amazing. You know? The ones that scream "eat me!".
Feta cheese: ½ cup (50g) , crumbled. Go for a good quality feta that's creamy and salty. Not that rubbery stuff, right? Pecan and Feta Salad is a classic.
Pecan halves: ½ cup (50g) , toasted. Honestly, toasting makes all the difference. We're talking levels of flavour!
Edible flowers (optional): A sprinkle. Nasturtiums or pansies look so pretty. Salad with Edible Flowers is boujee but worth it. If you can find them, that is!

Seasoning Notes: Zesty Zing!

This Citrus Vinaigrette is the bee's knees. It's what makes this Easy Salad Recipe so good.

Olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . Extra virgin, obviously.
Orange juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled juice? Don't even go there.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , ditto. Fresh is key! This helps makes the Honey Lemon Vinaigrette .
Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Local honey is a winner.
Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a bit of oomph.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1g) .
Black pepper: ⅛ teaspoon (0.5g) .

Don’t have Dijon? A pinch of dry mustard powder is fine. Want something Vegan Delight ? Substitute maple syrup for honey in the vinaigrette.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

Large salad bowl: For tossing it all together.
Small mixing bowl: For the vinaigrette.
Whisk: To make the vinaigrette all emulsified.
Measuring cups and spoons: Because accuracy matters, a little.
Cutting board and knife: Obvs.

Honestly, you probably have all this stuff already. This Light Spring Lunch is super easy to make!

Right, that’s the kit sorted. Time to get your Spring Salad with Berries prepped! This outline should help you create the best salad ever!

Alright, let's get cracking on the easiest salad recipe you'll see today! Forget boring lunches. We're making a Burst of Spring Salad with Honey Citrus Kiss . Honestly, it screams springtime, doesn't it?

Spring Salad Sensations: Let's Get Prepped!

First things first, mise en place is key, mate! Having everything chopped and ready will save you a massive headache.

Wash your 6 ounces (170g) of spring mix salad greens like you're prepping for royalty. Slice 1 cup (150g) strawberries.

Crumble your ½ cup (50g) feta cheese. Toast ½ cup (50g) pecan halves. Ta-da!

Safety first! Keep those fingers out of the way when slicing strawberries. Nobody wants a bloody salad.

Crafting Your Spring Mix Salad

Right, time for the fun bit!

Toast the pecans: Pop those pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Three to five minutes should do it. Keep a close eye though. They go from toasted to burnt faster than you can say "sod's law".
Whip up the vinaigrette: Grab a small bowl. Whisk together ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey, 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt, and ⅛ teaspoon (0.5g) pepper. Honestly, the honey lemon vinaigrette is what makes this a light spring lunch .
Assemble the base: Big bowl at the ready! Throw in your spring mix, strawberries, feta, and pecans.
Dress it up! Drizzle that vinaigrette over the salad. Toss GENTLY. No one wants a soggy salad!
Garnish like a pro! Some edible flowers? Pansies or nasturtiums maybe? So fancy!. Serve that spring salad with berries immediately

Strawberry Feta Salad : Pro Tips, Innits?

Toasting pecans properly makes all the difference. Watch them. Don't walk away! Don't drown your salad! Dress it right before serving to keep those greens crisp.

You can make the vinaigrette ahead! Just store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using, and whisk it well. Honestly, this easy salad recipe is a winner.

The great thing about a spring salad recipe is that you can be super flexible. Ditch the pecans for walnuts.

Swap feta for goat cheese. Chuck in some blueberries. Whatever floats your boat! If you like a pecan and feta salad , this is the one for you.

Recipe Notes: Elevate Your Spring Salad Recipe

Right, so you've got the recipe for this cracking Spring Salad with Berries . But honestly, that's just the starting point! Let's chat about how to make it truly yours .

Plating like a Pro and Serving Suggestions

Presentation matters, innit? Forget just chucking everything in a bowl. Try layering the spring mix salad . Pile the greens high, then artfully arrange the strawberries and feta.

A scattering of pecans? Absolutely. And if you're feeling fancy, why not some edible flowers? Honestly, even pansies can make it look boujee.

This Easy Salad Recipe looks amazing, right?

This Strawberry Feta Salad sings with grilled salmon. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc would be a perfect shout to drink with it, especially on a warm day.

Storage: Keeping it Fresh

Nobody wants a soggy salad, trust me. The vinaigrette is an important part of the Spring Salad.

Fridge Rules: This spring salad is best served fresh. But, if you have leftovers, store the dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours .
Freezing? Nah: Freezing this salad is a no-go. The greens will wilt and become rubbish.
Reheating? Don't Bother: This Easy Salad Recipe is designed to be enjoyed cold, but if you like, you can slightly let it be warmed to room temperature to get the most of its flavor.

Spring Salad with Berries Variations Let's Get Creative!

dairy-free Dream: Chuck out the feta, or use a dairy-free alternative. Swap the honey in the Honey Lemon Vinaigrette for maple syrup. Easy peasy.
Seasonal Swaps: If strawberries aren't in season, try raspberries or blueberries. Or, in autumn, use sliced apples or pears. A Pecan and Feta Salad can rock any time of year. You can also use a Citrus Vinaigrette all year round!

Nitty Gritty Nutrition

Okay, deep breath. Roughly, one serving clocks in at 280 calories. It's got a decent amount of protein and fibre, good fats from the pecans.

But, it's also got some sugar, mostly from the strawberries and honey. A good, Light Spring Lunch won't be too hard on your waistline.

And, that's your lot! See? Spring Salad Recipe creation is super simple. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spring salad ahead of time? I'm not exactly Nigella in the kitchen!

While the vinaigrette can be prepped a day or two in advance (stored in the fridge, of course!), it's best to assemble the spring salad just before serving. This prevents the greens from getting soggy and ensures everything stays crisp and fresh.

No one likes a droopy salad it's a bit like a soggy bottom on a bake off!

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this spring salad? My local shop doesn't always have everything.

No worries, substitutions are totally fine! If you can't find pecans, try walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch. Goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese also work as replacements for feta.

And if you're out of Dijon mustard for the vinaigrette, a tiny pinch of dry mustard powder will do the trick in a pinch just like a cheeky shortcut on The Great British Baking Show!

How should I store leftover spring salad? I always seem to make too much!

Storing dressed salad is always a bit tricky. Ideally, it’s best to only dress what you'll eat immediately. If you have undressed salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep the vinaigrette separately in a jar or container.

It'll be good for a few days, ready to add to more fresh leaves!

Is this spring salad recipe healthy? I'm trying to eat more greens, innit!

Absolutely! This spring salad is packed with nutrients, coming in at roughly 280 calories per serving. Spring mix provides vitamins and fiber, strawberries add antioxidants, and pecans offer healthy fats. Just be mindful of portion sizes with the vinaigrette, as that's where some of the calories and sugar come from.

It's a cracking way to get your greens in!

Can I add protein to this spring salad to make it a more substantial meal? I'm always peckish!

Definitely! Adding protein will make it a more filling meal. Grilled chicken or fish are classic choices, but you could also try adding chickpeas, quinoa, or even some hard boiled eggs. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds is another great way to add protein and a nice bit of crunch.

I want to make a vegan version of this spring salad. What changes do I need to make?

Creating a vegan version is easy peasy! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan feta alternative. For the vinaigrette, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. You'll have a delicious and vibrant vegan spring salad in no time!