Spring Blossom Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Wash and dry arugula. Trim asparagus ends and cut into 1-inch pieces. Dice cucumber into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: In a jar, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard. Shake until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Toss arugula, asparagus, and cucumber in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and gently fold to combine.
  4. Step 4: Top with edible flowers and remaining dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

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.

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