Mill City Salad Platter

Sometimes the easiest way to make dinners throughout the week, is to prep a bunch of veggies, buy some good pesto or other high quality prepared foods, put together big platter of everything and let your family build their own plate. We list several pesto recipes below, but there’s no shame in store bought or have fun experiementing with unqiue condiments like chutney‘s and sauces from MCFM vendors!

By Beth Jones

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette

2 Tablespoons grainy mustard
2 Tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar
¾ cup sunflower oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Salad

6 slices crusty bread
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 bunch asparagus, snap peas or green beans, washed and trimmed if necessary
1 head fresh lettuce, or 5 cups assorted mixed greens, washed and spun dry
1 bunch radishes, washed, quartered and greens washed and dried
4 medium salad turnips, washed and thinly sliced, greens washed and dried
6 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half
pesto, chutney, hummus or other condiments (see note above)
6 ounces local cheese

Instructions

To make the vinaigrette, put all the ingredients in a mason jar, cover and shake well. Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake again immediately before using.

Preheat the broiler to high. Add the garlic, salt and pepper to the olive oil and brush onto both sides of the bread. Broil for 2 minutes on each side. Set aside.

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a large saute pan. Add the asparagus and simmer covered for 1-2 minutes or until just tender, but still bright green. Allow to cool.

Mix the lettuce with any reserved radish and turnip greens you may have. Place on a large platter or serving tray. Arrange the radishes, turnips, eggs, cheese, croutons and cooled asparagus on the tray. Serve with the vinaigrette and a bowl of pesto or other condiments. Allow your guests to help themselves and build their own salad from the platter and dress with the vinaigrette and pesto.