Spring Salad with Mandarin Oranges, Strawberries, Pomegranate, Chickpeas & Goat Cheese

Winter tends to overstay its welcome in Central New York. According to the calendar, Spring is in full bloom elsewhere. SO...when April showers have got us down, we fake it until we make it and celebrate the season with a salad that’s as vibrant and refreshing as the weather we wish was outside.

This is decidedly not a recipe but more of a suggestion. We are offering up a spring mix salad that is bursting with color, flavor, and texture. Think sweet mandarin oranges, juicy strawberries, tart pomegranate arils, hearty chickpeas, and creamy goat cheese—all tossed over a bed of tender greens that is suitable to be dressed in just about any vinaigrette. We used our go-to citrus vinaigrette, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Bonus: it’s pretty to look at. It is perfect for a quick lunch or a beautiful starter for your next dinner. 

Why This Salad Works

• Sweet & Savory Balance: The mix of fruits brings natural sweetness, while the goat cheese and chickpeas ground the salad with savory richness.

  
  

• Nutrient-Rich: You’re getting antioxidants from berries and pomegranate; plant-based protein from chickpeas; and healthy fats from goat cheese and olive oil.

  
  

• Let's Talk About Texture: Every bite offers a little something different—crunchy, creamy, juicy, and crisp.

  
  

What You’ll Need:

• Spring mix (your favorite baby greens)

• Mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned)

• Strawberries, sliced

• Pomegranate arils

• Chickpeas (rinsed and drained)

• Goat cheese, crumbled

• Optional: Add a handful of toasted almonds or an ancient grain

  
  

The Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp white balsamic or regular balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Juice of 1/2 orange or lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a mason jar until emulsified. Drizzle over salad right before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a full meal.

• Swap goat cheese for feta if that’s more your style.

• If strawberries aren’t in season, blueberries or raspberries work great too.

  
  

This salad is sunshine in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and stunning on the plate. Whether you're hosting a brunch, prepping your weekly lunches, or just craving something fresh, this spring mix salad is a total winner. As always, let us know when you make this combo your own. We love to hear your feedback and questions. Thank you for stopping by our kitchen.

xo YaYa and Wuelo