Skip to main content

Spring Greens with Quick-Pickled Vegetables

This vibrant spring greens salad with quick-pickled vegetables is a celebration of seasonal textures and bright, zesty flavours. By lightly pickling shaved root vegetables like carrots and Chioggia beets, you add a sharp, sweet crunch that beautifully offsets the peppery notes of rocket and tatsoi. It is an elegant vegan starter or a refreshing side dish that brings a touch of sophisticated colour to any lunch table.

Designed for ease, this plant-based dish uses a simple vinaigrette to tie the tender greens and fragrant herbs together. You can vary the herbs based on what is available; mint and tarragon offer a lovely sweetness that complements the pickled elements perfectly. Serve it as a stand-alone healthy light meal or as a crisp accompaniment to a weekend lunch.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Spring Greens with Quick-Pickled Vegetables

  • 240ml unseasoned rice vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 230g small carrots, baby turnips, and/or Chioggia beets, shaved on a mandoline (about 475ml )

  • 80ml olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 12 cups mixed tender greens (such as mizuna, tatsoi, rocket, dandelion greens, and/or sorrel)

  • 1/4 cup tender herb leaves and blossoms (such as tarragon or mint)

How to make Spring Greens with Quick-Pickled Vegetables

Bring vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and add vegetables; let sit until just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.

Whisk oil, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl; season vinaigrette with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.

Toss vinaigrette, greens, and herbs in a large bowl. Add pickled vegetables to salad; season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.