For me Spring isn’t just about the warm temperatures, sunny skies and longer days (though that certainly helps!), it’s about the produce. My regular routine begins to kick in again with early Saturday mornings at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket, a stop by the Park Slope Food Coop and home to unpack all my current finds followed by canning, brunching or whatever else ensues. It’s almost impossible not to come home, arms sore from carrying bags brimming with fresh picked treats. Baby lettuces, crisp stalks of asparagus, sweet, ripe strawberries–no matter how many bags I bring with me, I never seem to have enough room to carry it all.
As much fun as it can be to discover new recipes for all this fantastic peak season produce, it’s just as important to celebrate its simplicity. That’s just what this recipe does. Forget the fancy oils and spices. We don’t want to disguise the flavors but let them shine through! This salad can easily be adapted based on what you find at your farmer’s market. The key is fresh. Crisp. Beautiful.
Simple Spring Salad (Serves 6)
- 6 cups baby lettuce
- 1 small bunch radishes, cleaned and very thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, green parts only sliced thinly
- 1/2 lb ciliegini mozzarella (the little balls)
- Very good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Course sea salt
Divide the lettuce among 6 salad plates. Top with sliced radishes and sprinkle with scallions. Slice the ciliegini mozzarella balls in half and divide among salad plates. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve immediately.
Brooklyn Locavore 
It’s so true, I never can carry or at least have a difficult time carrying everything I find at the market, It’s my favorite part of spring and summer the produce. The salad is perfect!
Thank Suzanne. The worst is that I head to the PSFC right after. I try to limit myself to just one or two bags so I can get other groceries. Failure usually results in a cab ride home.
Lol I do the same
mmmmmm…. looks great!
Thanks!
I have the same problem…I love fresh produce and have a hard time limiting myself! I can almost taste your salad, it looks so delightfully fresh!
Thanks so much. I consider myself lucky to live in the city and have to walk or take the train most everywhere. Just imagine how much I would buy if I had a whole car!
What a nice, simple salad. Looks fresh and beautiful!
Thanks Mary!
Ohhh yum. How I wish it was spring here all over again! But hey, I can still make this salad… and curl up in my blanket, pretending that the warm sunny weather wasn’t a few months away… 🙂
Lovely post. SO glad that you guys are finally defrosting after that harsh winter xxx
Haha, starting to get a little too hot over here though. It’s hard reading blogs from across the globe. I love that it’s summer but resent not having warming, stick-to-the-bone meals like you’re able to make now and visa versa.