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+ servings
4 from 2 votes
Spring green salad on a white oval platter with serving spoons.
Spring Green Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4 mins
Total Time
19 mins
 
This spring green salad is fresh and delicious and a welcome sight when the spring vegetables come into season. The hazelnuts add a nice crunch, while the goat cheese adds a little unexpected creaminess.
Course: Entrées, Side Dishes, Salads
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Lunch
Servings: 4
Calories: 393 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
  • 2 cups green leaf lettuce coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup orzo, cooked
  • ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
  • ¼ cup hazelnuts chopped and toasted
  • 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallots
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil in medium saucepan. Cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Blanch the asparagus in the water for 3 minutes. Add the peas to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute more. Immediately drain the vegetables and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and set their bright green color. (this is called ‘shocking’)
  2. Make the lemon-shallot vinaigrette. Combing the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced shallots, lemon juice and zest, thyme and black pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly. Whisk until the vinaigrette comes together and has thickened. Season to taste with salt.
  3. Place the salad greens in a large salad bowl and add the asparagus, peas, orzo and mint. Drizzle some of the vinaigrette over top and toss everything together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add additional dressing, if desired. Top with the hazelnuts and the goat cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Spring Green Salad with Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette
Amount Per Serving
Calories 393 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 80mg3%
Potassium 505mg14%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 6g24%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 2775IU56%
Vitamin C 39.8mg48%
Calcium 93mg9%
Iron 4.6mg26%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.