16 Spring Salad Recipes That Keep Meals Simple and Delicious

When spring rolls around, lighter meals with fresh ingredients just make sense, and these spring salad recipes fit right into the season. From hearty options that work as a full meal to lighter sides that pair perfectly with dinner, this collection keeps things fresh without sacrificing flavor. Expect crisp greens, bright citrus notes, satisfying proteins, and simple dressings that come together easily. These salads are great for busy weekdays, relaxed weekends, and everything in between when you want something fresh and satisfying without extra effort.

Steak and Arugula Salad

Sliced grilled steak served on a bed of arugula, feta cheese, sliced avocado, shallots, and pine nuts on a white oval plate. — Steak and Arugula Salad. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

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Juicy slices of steak add richness and depth. Peppery arugula keeps the salad sharp and lively. A simple dressing helps balance the flavors. Each bite feels bold but controlled.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Arugula Salad

Spring Pea Salad

A plate with creamy pea salad, two slices of grilled ham, and a dinner roll. Lemon wedges and more pea salad are visible in the background. — Spring Pea Salad. Photo credit: Foxes Love Lemons.

Sweet peas bring a pop of freshness. Crisp additions keep the texture interesting. Light seasoning lets the peas stay front and center. The overall feel is clean and bright.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pea Salad

Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

A plate of salad with sliced grilled chicken, mixed greens, shredded carrots, and red bell peppers, served with a gold fork and knife on a light table. — Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Mom Cooking For Three.

Tender chicken provides substance throughout the bowl. Sesame flavors add nuttiness and depth. Crisp vegetables keep it from feeling heavy. The contrast of textures makes it satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Asian Sesame Chicken Salad

Flavorful Caprese Salad Skewers

Skewers with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves arranged on a wooden board, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Loose tomatoes and basil are scattered around. — Flavorful Caprese Salad Skewers. Photo credit: Mom Cooking For Three.

These skewers stack tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil neatly together. Each bite delivers familiar flavors in a compact form. The presentation feels playful and tidy. They work well as a shareable plate.
Get the Recipe: Flavorful Caprese Salad Skewers

Pastina Salad

A white plate with couscous salad, topped with crumbled cheese, and two metal serving utensils, on a rustic wooden table. — Pastina Salad. Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Tiny pasta pieces create a soft, comforting texture. Simple mix-ins keep the dish balanced. The dressing settles into every bite. It feels familiar and easygoing.
Get the Recipe: Pastina Salad

Dill Tuna Salad

A plate with tuna salad on a bed of lettuce leaves, garnished with herbs and served with a lemon wedge on the side. — Dill Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Flaky tuna forms the base of this salad. Fresh dill adds a clean, herbal note. The flavors stay light but savory. It works well chilled.
Get the Recipe: Dill Tuna Salad

Citrus Arugula Salad

Bowl of salad with sliced oranges, strawberries, blackberries, arugula, and almond slivers on a wooden surface. — Citrus Arugula Salad. Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

Peppery arugula meets juicy citrus segments. The acidity keeps the salad lively. A light dressing pulls everything together. The flavors feel sharp and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Arugula Salad

Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad

A bowl and plate of mixed bean salad with corn, diced vegetables, and cheese cubes on a gray surface, next to wooden spoons, a small bowl of dressing, and sliced green onions. — Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

A mix of beans provides varied texture. Simple seasoning keeps the flavors clear. The salad holds up well over time. It feels sturdy and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad

Lemon Basil Orzo Salad

A blue plate with a salad of orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, avocado, beans, and herbs. Surrounding the plate are lemon wedges, a bowl of green dressing, a red cloth, fork, and tomatoes. — Lemon Basil Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Joyful Balance.

Orzo creates a tender, pasta-like base. Lemon adds brightness throughout. Basil brings a fresh aroma. The flavors stay light and clean.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Basil Orzo Salad

Easy Pea Salad with Bacon

A bowl of creamy pea salad with diced cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, chopped red onion, and parsley. — Easy Pea Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Sweet peas form a soft base. Bacon adds salt and crispness. A creamy dressing balances the flavors. The contrast keeps it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pea Salad with Bacon

Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella

Two bowls of salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, mozzarella balls, croutons, and basil leaves on a gray surface with a striped cloth.

Juicy tomatoes soak into chunks of bread. Mozzarella adds softness and richness. Fresh herbs keep it balanced. The textures stay varied and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Panzanella Salad with Mozzarella

Steak Salad

Oval dish with sliced steak on a bed of mixed greens, carrots, peanuts, and pomegranate seeds. A bowl of dressing with a spoon is beside the dish on a light surface with a pink cloth. — Steak Salad. Photo credit: The Nomad Plate.

Tender slices of steak bring depth and savory flavor. Crisp greens balance the richness of the meat. A simple dressing keeps everything cohesive. It feels filling without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Steak Salad

Dill and Feta Chopped Salad with Dill Vinaigrette

A bowl of chopped green salad with avocado, radish slices, broccoli, lettuce, and feta cheese on a white surface, with wooden salad servers nearby. — Dill and Feta Chopped Salad with Dill Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Sigsbee Street.

This salad is finely chopped for even bites throughout. Dill adds a fresh, herbal note. Feta brings saltiness and contrast. The vinaigrette ties the flavors together cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Dill and Feta Chopped Salad with Dill Vinaigrette

Panera Fuji Apple Salad & Dressing Copycat Recipe

Two bowls of fresh salad with spinach, tomatoes, apple slices, pecans, and cheese, accompanied by a small bowl of dressing, crackers, and wooden utensils on a striped towel. — Panera Fuji Apple Salad & Dressing Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

Crisp apples add sweetness and crunch. Mixed greens keep the base light. The dressing brings tang with a subtle sweetness. The flavors feel familiar and well balanced.
Get the Recipe: Panera Fuji Apple Salad & Dressing Copycat Recipe

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, herbs, and a mint garnish. — Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

Orzo creates a tender, pasta-like foundation. Mediterranean flavors add brightness and depth. Each ingredient holds its own without overpowering. It works well chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Recipe for Pea Salad

A bowl of pea salad with diced cheese and red onions sits on a dark wooden surface, with a cloth napkin and a spoon beside it. — Recipe for Pea Salad. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

Sweet peas form a soft, comforting base. Simple add-ins provide contrast. The dressing coats everything evenly. It feels nostalgic and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Recipe for Pea Salad