Easy Spring Appetizer and Salad Recipes

Spring entertaining is upon us and it is a great opportunity to try out new recipes with the colorful ingredients that this season offers. But let’s face it, this is a busy time of year and we all appreciate dishes that are easy to put together. We are happy to share some of our favorite easy appetizer and salad recipes. Some are family favorites like deviled eggs and some are new creations.

As we write this, we are talking about all of the wonderful vegetables and fruits that would be the perfect ingredients for salads and appetizers. We are done with the turkey chilli scene and after visiting the newly opened farmer’s markets, we are inspired. We hope you enjoy these recipes. In addition, we are adding some of our favorite serving pieces, outdoor dinnerware and table linens. Also, we are sharing ingredient lists that you can use to create your own appetizers and salads. Having some of these ingredients on hand will make spring entertaining so much easier and your shopping trips as well.

Easy Spring Appetizer and Salad Recipes

What qualify’s as an easy spring appetizer and salad- minimal chopping and prep time, fresh ingredients and fresh flavor. A quick and easy recipe can be the hero of any dinner party or Easter Dinner. These Spring Appetizer recipes would be brilliant for Mother’s Day Brunch, a Bridal Shower or a milestone celebration for family and friends. Reading through the recipe and planning what serving pieces to use makes this process goes smoother.

Easy Spring Appetizers

Hummus With Chopped Veggies and Feta

Ingredients-

2 cups Hummus 1/2 c finely chopped tomato 1/2 c chopped cucumber

1/4 c finely chopped black olives 1/2 c crumbled feta cheese Assorted variety of pita chips

Assemble-

Take a serving dish – 8×8 with a 2 inch side- all sizes approximate. Place the hummus on the bottom of the dish and spread to completely cover bottom. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes, cucumber, black olives on top. Top with crumbled Feta Cheese and season with cracked pepper and salt. Serve with Pita chips.

This recipe is one that you can add any or all ingredients- any that you like. Sometimes they sell a Mediterranean Herbed Crumbled Feta that is so good. Add other ingredients too if you like. This is a great recipe to throw together- it literally takes about 15 minutes. It is a perfect appetizer to bring to any event. We love the tray featured below- you could carry the prepared dish and place the pita chips around it. Below are serving pieces and tools that would work for this. Click on the photos below to be taken to that product’s website.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients-

1/2 c soy sauce 1/2 c light olive oil 5 TBS. cajun seasoning mix

1/4 c oriental sesame oil 1/4 c fresh lemon juice 2 tsp dry mustard

2 tsp Tabasco 32 uncooked large shrimp peeled and deveined

Marinate for 30 minutes. Grill 4 minutes per side- Enjoy!

Easy Spring Salads

Avocado, Spring Peas and Blueberry Salad

Ingredients-

2 cups baby spinach 2 cups arugula 1 avocado 3 oz. Balsamic-Marinated Cipoline Onions

1/2 c blueberries 1 cup fresh peas blanched 1/2 c Sartori Cheese- or any mild parmesan that can be crumbled

1/4 c grated romano cheese 4 TBL Balsamic Vinegar 2 TBL Whole Grain Dijon Mustard

4 TBL good mayonnaise 2 TBL light brown sugar 4 TBL Sliced Roasted Almonds

Assemble-

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Roughly chop the onions . Slice up the avocado. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the mayo and mustard- continue to whisk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to combine. Adjust any of the ingredients to your taste.

To the bowl of dressing add the spinach, arugula, chopped onions, Sartori crumbled before adding and half the romano cheese. Toss to combine. Taste then season with salt and pepper if needed. Top the salad with sliced avocado, blanched peas, blueberries, almonds and remaining romano cheese. Gently toss and serve.

Click here for Serveware for All Seasons

Fattoush Salad

Ingredients-

2 large pitas, brushed with olive oil 1/4 c olive oil 2 TBL lemon juice 2 tsp lemon zest

2 TBL white wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 6 c chopped romaine

3 c cherry tomatoes halved 1 large english cucumber halved and sliced in half moons

1/4 c sliced scallions 1 c fresh parsley chopped 3/4 c fresh mint chopped

Assemble-

Heat the grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Grill pitas on medium high heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or lightly charred. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, garlic, 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. To the bowl add romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, parsley, mint and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat.

Tear cooled pita into bite sized pieces and add to salad.

Serve and Enjoy!

Easy Ingredients To Have On Hand

As we prepare this post, it is a beautiful Spring day here in the Midwest. The sun is out and it’s about 65 degrees- perfect weather for entertaining outside- at least appetizers and beverages while grilling. Sometimes you don’t need a recipe to put together a simple and easy appetizer if you have a few items on hand. Below is a list of ingredients to have on hand for appetizers and salads that will elevate you to hero status with your guests as you put together a quick nibble or salad.

Easy Appetizer Ideas

Crostini with Goat Cheese and Fig Preserves

with Bruschetta and Shredded Parmesan

with olive tapenade and roasted peppers

or with pesto, fresh tomato, parmesan

Potato Chips, Nuts, Olives, Dots Pretzels

Apples and Cheddar Cheese

Melon and Prosciutto

Pears and Gorgonzola

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Assorted Crackers

Stuffed grape leaves, Hummus, Tabouleh

Easy Salad Ideas

Sliced tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella , basil leaves -drizzled with Balsamic glaze or Olive Oil

Romaine, pear, blue cheese, toasted walnuts- Champagne Vinigrette

Spinach, orzo, dried tomato, pistachios, shredded mozzarella- Lemon Vinigrette

Green leaf lettuce, mandarin oranges, toasted slivered almonds, sliced green onion, chopped celery, sliced avocado- Tarragon Vinigrette

Spinach, Raw Cole Slaw, Shredded Red Cabbage, red onion diced, Slivered almonds toasted, sliver thin ripe pears- Briana Honey Dijon Dressing

If you are looking forward to Spring entertaining, we hope you find this post helpful and inspirational.

Let us know.

Bev and Val

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