a Spring-inspired salad . . . and a simple honey vinaigrette recipe

I made this vibrant Spring salad for our Annual Easter Family gathering a few weeks ago, and again for my husband's birthday dinner last weekend.

Like so many salads, it's light and fresh . . . and filled with Spring's best!

The base of this Spring-inspired salad is Butter Lettuce. Have you tried it before?

If not, then you should treat yourself. Butter lettuce has a slightly sweet, buttery flavor . . . and velvety soft and tender leaves. The leaves are cupped, which makes them great for holding salad toppings and dressing.

It costs a little more than most heads of lettuce do, approximately $2.25 per head, but well worth the price.

~ I'm so proud! . . . These pretty little heirlooms came from my garden! ~

I chose this leafy lettuce because of its flavor, texture, and gorgeous bright green color. It served as the perfect base for my variation of the perfect Spring salad . . . 

 fresh asparagus, shaved 

chopped walnuts

heirloom tomatoes

 medium-boiled eggs, sliced

green apple, thinly sliced

There's so much that I love about it . . . the buttery and velvety lettuce, creamy eggs, bright and sweet tomatoes and asparagus, tart green apple slices, and the tender crunch of walnuts.

I dressed it up with an amazing Spring-inspired Champagne Pear Vinaigrette with Gorgonzola.

Did you notice the beautiful play on colors? The vibrant eggs? They look like sunshine on a platter!
Medium-boiled eggs are much prettier and creamier than hard-boiled eggs . . . a delicious addition.

And there's nothing like homegrown tomatoes. I love adding a variety of shapes and colors, as they can help build the character of a salad.

I plan on serving this salad as a dinner entree through Spring and Summer by bulking it up with sliced avocado and grilled chicken. YUM!

Did you notice the black specks?

It's black salt! 

I sprinkle it on top of all my creamy salads, like egg, macaroni, and potato salad . . . as well green salads . . . for a pop of color, as well as a finishing salt.  

A sprinkling of salt can make a great salad over-the-top amazing. 

Most people don't think to season their salads . . . and I don't understand why not?

A sprinkling of salt and pepper can really brighten and elevate the flavors. Give it a try next time!

I hope you're enjoying Spring's best with your favorite lettuce, too!

Oh, one more tip! Serve your salad on a platter! You can see its beauty much better spread out on a large platter than you can in a bowl.

Happy Spring, friends!

a perfect dressing for a butter lettuce salad

honey vinaigrette

.     .     .     .     .     .

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 Tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 small shallot, finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons)

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

.     .     .     .     .     .

In a small screw-top jar combine oil, vinegar, shallot, honey, cinnamon and salt.

Cover and shake well.

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Simply Suzannes at Home

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