Spring Blossom Salad
A refreshing salad featuring peppery arugula, tender asparagus, and a floral balsamic vinaigrette with edible flowers. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs arugula, spears asparagus, english cucumber into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula
- 12 spears asparagus
- 1 english cucumber
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup edible flowers (nasturtium, pansies)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and dry arugula. Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1-inch pieces. Dice cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 2: In a jar, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard. Shake until emulsified.
- Step 3: Toss arugula, asparagus, and cucumber in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and gently fold to combine.
- Step 4: Top with edible flowers and remaining dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Blossom Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spring Blossom Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep arugula from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Blossom Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spring Blossom Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spring Blossom Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.