Build A Better Salad

Legend has it that in 1939, a restaurant in Chicago opened the first salad bar, and for the past 30 years May has been celebrated as National Salad Month. Every spring, we delight in sharing recipes for the nearly endless combinations of bright colorful foods that can fill a salad bowl!

Lettuce Harvest

For many salads, we start with a base of leafy greens. This can be one or a mix of several well-known lettuce varieties, -- such as green or red leaf lettuce, romaine or butter. For more variety, add curly or lacinato kale, spicy greens such as arugula, radicchio and mizuna or a favorite superfood, -- spinach. If you're not fond of raw kale, try blanching it briefly for just 1 minute to let the texture and taste mellow while keeping the vibrant green color and nutrients.

Grilled Summer Salad

Pile on the color and crunch by selecting any number of veggies to heap on the plate, such as raw chopped carrots, broccoli, radishes, jicama, fennel, shelled peas or steamed artichoke hearts. Changing up the flavor profile, we love to grill extra zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms and corn to chill and put into a salad the next day.

Add a Protein

Next, we think of layering in protein to boost performance and keep you full for more of your busy day. Whether you have leftovers or use a handy prepared meat or meat alternative, there are many tasty options. Beans -- kidney, black, garbanzo and edamame to name a few -- are another fantastic source of plant-based protein, as are seeds and nuts such as chopped walnuts, sliced or slivered almonds, and even halved hazelnuts.

Say Cheese!

One ingredient you may not often consider for salad is cheese. The creamy, smooth mouthfeel and wide range of flavors from tangy feta crumbles to sharp cheddar cubes and mild shredded jack or mozzarella, any number of cow's milk, goat's milk or nondairy cheese products supply that comfort factor to a dish you can already feel good about eating.

Dressed for Success

When you are ready to top it all off, for the freshest taste we recommend making your own homemade dressing whenever you have the time. Whisk a simple blend of olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice), with a little seasoned salt and pepper sprinkled on top, or create a creamy avocado ranch that doubles as a dip for crudités. Short on time? We fall back on these healthy dressings and marinades.

How To Add Farm Stand Products to Your Delivery:
CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6 pm on your cutoff date. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.

Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood. You can even get your whole office in on the fun with our office snack packs. Find more information about our office deliveries here.