7 Light & Bright Soups and Salads Perfect for Spring

Spring is here, and I can feel the energy of the season inspiring lighter, fresher meals! These 7 soups and salads are perfect for welcoming the beautiful blooms and bright sunshine.

1. Lemon Asparagus Soup

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 minutes, Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the asparagus and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until asparagus is tender.
4. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 120 calories per serving

2. Strawberry Spinach Salad

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 15 minutes, No cooking required

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions

1. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, feta, and walnuts.
2. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 200 calories per serving

3. Chilled Cucumber Soup

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 minutes, Chill: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine cucumbers, Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, and vegetable broth.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 150 calories per serving

4. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 15 minutes, Cook: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 220 calories per serving

5. Tomato Basil Soup

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 minutes, Cook: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth if desired.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 180 calories per serving

6. Greek Chickpea Salad

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 minutes, No cooking required

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 210 calories per serving

7. Spinach and Avocado Salad

Prep & Cook Time

Prep: 10 minutes, No cooking required

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine spinach, avocado, sliced almonds, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Servings

Serves 4

Nutrition Info

Approx. 180 calories per serving

Final Thoughts

I hope these light and bright soups and salads inspire you to embrace the flavors of spring! Each recipe is packed with fresh ingredients that celebrate the season. Enjoy!