Friday, April 03, 2009

Early Spring

April, here at last.

The apple blossoms have just begun to open their pale pink petals around the countryside. The winds have been pretty strong, so the pear blossom petals, always earlier than the apple blossoms, fly by the window like a shower of snow. The Easter candy is on sale at the grocery store, so it must surely be SPRING! After autumn, spring is my favorite season.

This salad is one that can be enjoyed year round, but seems sprightly, like spring. The crisp greens, juicy orange segments and kiwi slices contrast nicely with the chopped, toasted almonds and sweet dried cranberries and golden raisins. Use your favorite raspberry vinaigrette as dressing, or even a creamy one with blue cheese.



Early Spring Fruit Salad
6 cups mixed greens…I used romaine and butter lettuces
1 can mandarin orange segments in water, drained
1 ripe kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced thinly
¼ cup almonds, toasted, cooled, and chopped
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
2 tablespoons golden raisins
In a large salad bowl place the greens, orange segments, and kiwi slices. Toss gently. Put salad on plates and sprinkle with the almonds, cranberries and golden raisins. Drizzle with dressing. Serve cold. Serves 4.

7 comments :

  1. Man, I am SO READY for fruit salads... yum.

    ReplyDelete
  2. sounds like a light and refreshing salad. I am so looking forward to the spring produce.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lovely light salad and beautiful photos. Spring is upon us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh I wish I would have read this before I just ate my BBQ Chicken salad, this would have been better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Doesnt that Salad look just splendid Elle! You, especially you, would like my latest post...

    http://dad-baker.blogspot.com/2009/04/st-honore-in-hong-kong.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks so refreshing and delicious! I'm so ready for spring produce, YUM!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tanita, Yes, spring seems to bring longing for more salads.

    Jude, Ditto spring produce.

    Penny, Thank you!

    Peabody, Hardly. Bet you BBQ Chicken salad was equally good, but do try this.

    Dharm, You are so right, I did enjoy your Hong Kong find, as would many Daring Bakers. Thanks for the link!

    Maris, Yes, we all seem to be more than ready for spring!

    ReplyDelete