Spring is here! Or maybe it’s almost here. What a sec. How will I know when spring has arrived?

For some, it’s the morel or the fiddlehead or the elusive ramp. For others, its the beading red-head of the radish, the curls of the first salad greens or the herb garden taking a stand. No matter you stance, for me, when I think of spring … I think of salad.

Now, I do love hunting morels and ramps and fiddleheads, but as an urbanite I must also consider the domestic versions of warming weather and flowering edibles. After a long season of mashed root vegetables and braised meat, it is truly refreshing to fix myself a plate of fresh greens to accompany the meal (or eat as the meal.)

Depending on your palate’s personality, you may go the simple route and consume strictly greens. Or maybe you want a little bit, but just a little variety and throw in some herbs, like mint or chives or tarragon. If you seek a more filling salad you may venture into the world of crunch. Maybe some raw beets or carrots to accompany the greens? Perhaps some shredded radish and toasted sunflower seeds to contrast the baby spinach? Maybe you’re a vegan and salad is your staple, then you may overwhelm the bed of greens with a wide variety of treats. (Note: non-vegans can find delight in crazy salads too.)

But then we must also consider the dressing. The transparent or opaque cloak that covers the plate of freshness. Again, one’s palate will often make that choice before the salad starts. Want something sour, go for a lemon dressing. A spicy kick, throw some chili pepper in the mix. Or maybe a little luxury in the lunch break, and bring out the good ol’ creamy stuff.

The combinations are endless. As there are many, many options for the salad itself – which greens, which herbs, which seeds, which veggies, etc. And then, there’s salad dressing. The simple balsamic vinaigrette or the homemade blue cheese? Or maybe some of the creme de la creme, Annie’s Goddess dressing. Wowza! That stuff is goooood.

No matter your preference, remember to celebrate the new season with some freshly picked garden edibles. And before I forget, what are your favorite salad dressings? Homemade or store bought? Please share with me and other readers. All of us salad-hungry citizens seek new ideas!

Related posts:

1. Urban Foraging
2. Winding Down Winter (weekly menu 26)
3. Food Revolution – One Class at a Time
4. Mixed Up in the Head (or) Thank You Dear Library (weekly menu 10)
5. “Fancy Food”

Tags: foraging, Gardening, salad, seasonal eating