April 20, 2026 //
Lori Becker //
Recipes //
3 min read
Spring has officially arrived—meet the salad that celebrates it. Love & Lemons’ Bright Spring Salad tosses crisp asparagus, sweet peas, radishes, and fresh herbs in a lemony olive-oil dressing that’s as cheerful as the season. Greens bring the folate and vitamin K, veggies serve up vibrant vitamin A and C, and the light vinaigrette adds heart-healthy fats and fresh flavor. Whether it’s lunch on its own or a side to your weekend veggie-fueled dinner, this salad’s got your spring table covered.
Ingredients:
1 bunch asparagus, tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
½ cup frozen peas, thawed
A few handfuls salad greens
2 radishes, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ avocado, pitted and diced
¼ cup chopped toasted pistachios
½ cup roasted chickpeas
Fresh herbs, for garnish (basil, mint and/or chives)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Dressing:
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, or a mix of basil and mint leaves
1 small garlic clove
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as desired
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water nearby. Blanch the asparagus for about 1 minute, or until tender but still bright green. Transfer to the ice water for 1 minute, then drain. Allow the asparagus to dry and transfer it back to the bowl and add the peas.
Make the dressing: In a food processor, pulse together the basil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Season to taste, adding more oil as desired.
Add half of the dressing to the bowl with the asparagus and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Assemble the salad. Arrange the salad greens on a platter, then layer the asparagus/pea mixture, the radishes, feta, avocado, pistachios, chickpeas, and herbs on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and serve.
Why We Love This One…
✔️ Vibrant veggies for vitamins A & C: Crisp asparagus, sweet peas, and radishes deliver powerful antioxidants that support your skin, eyes, and immunity.
✔️ Leafy-green goodness: A base of salad greens (and fresh herbs) provides fiber, folate, and vitamin K for digestive and bone health.
✔️ Heart-healthy fats: Extra-virgin olive oil and a lemony vinaigrette help your body absorb those plant nutrients while supporting cardiovascular wellness.
✔️ Color-and-texture combo: From crunchy radish rounds to tender asparagus pieces, this salad keeps your palette interested—and your nutrient variety broad.
✔️ Season-in a bowl: Designed to spotlight spring’s freshest produce, it’s light but nutrient-dense—perfect for a lunch, side, or solo dinner.
✔️ Quick, clean, and feel-good: Lightweight, easy to assemble, and full of real-food goodness without heavy sauces or added sugars.
