Best Spring Greens Recipes

SPRING GREENS AND LEEK GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in an ovenproof 10" skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-low heat. Add leeks and ramp bulbs and cook, stirring often, until leeks are softened, about 10 minutes. (Try to keep the leeks from browning.)
• Add ramp greens, arugula, and spinach in big handfuls, cooking and wilting one batch before adding the next. (At first it will look like all those greens will never fit in the skillet, but keep at it-you'll see!) When all greens are wilted (this may take 15-20 minutes), add coriander, salt, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until spices are incorporated, about 1 minute. Add lemon zest, cream, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Continue to cook, stirring, until cream has slightly reduced, about 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
• Toss bread with oil in a large bowl to coat. Arrange bread on top of vegetables, taking care not to cover the greens completely (you want them to peek through here and there). Sprinkle remaining 2 Tbsp. Parmesan over.
• Transfer to oven and bake gratin until bread is golden brown and crisp, cheese is melted, and cream is bubbling, 35-45 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

PORTOBELLO TART WITH SPRING GREENS AND LIME BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette:
• Squeeze the lime juice (from the now cooled lime) through the feed opening of a running blender. With the blender still running, add the vinegar, corn syrup, shallot and rosemary, 1 at a time, and pour the oil in a slow steady stream into the vinegar mixture very slowly to emulsify. Remove to a container and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• For the spring greens:
• Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces, and remove the stems if using arugula. (Make sure greens are no longer wet from being rinsed.) Toss greens with Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside.
• For the filling:
• Heat the clarified butter over medium heat in a large saute pan. Add the onion and cook for about 15 minutes until translucent and beginning to caramelize, then add the portobellos and white mushrooms to the onions. Cook for another 10 minutes then reduce heat to low and add the tomatoes, chives, salt, and pepper, and allow flavors to integrate.
• For the vol-au-vent (tart pastry):
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Roll out puff pastry dough, and using a 4-inch circle cutter (aka biscuit cutter), cut out 8 dough rounds. Place 4 of the dough rounds on a lightly greased baking sheet. Using a 3-inch circle or biscuit cutter, cut a concentric circle in the middle of the remaining 4-inch dough rounds to create a 1/2-inch wide circle of dough. These 1/2-inch wide circles of dough are to be used without the 3-inch pieces from the center. Place 1 of these 1/2-inch wide circles of dough on top of each of the rounds already on the baking sheet, matching up the edges. Brush egg wash over the surface of each of the paired dough circles and rounds. Then use a fork to prick through the dough around the perimeter (that is, through each dough circle and into the accompanying round beneath it). Place in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. The center of each will rise. Remove pastry shells from oven and allow to cool slightly.
• Using the tip of a butter knife, break through the risen center part of each pastry shell to make a crater. Spoon some of the mushroom mixture into each of these craters. Place some greens on top of each tart and drizzle with lime balsamic vinaigrette.

ONE-POT MUJADARA WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND SPRING GREENS

Steps:

• Place lentils in a large bowl and add warm tap water to cover by 1 inch. Let soak.
• Meanwhile, halve leeks lengthwise; run under warm water to release any grit. Thinly slice leeks crosswise.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the leeks to a bowl to use for garnish and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Stir garlic into the pot with the remaining leeks and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cumin, allspice and cayenne; sauté 30 seconds.
• Drain lentils and stir into pot. Add 4-1/4 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Rinse greens in a colander and spread damp leaves over lentil mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes more, until rice and lentils are tender and greens are wilted. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with reserved crispy leeks.

RISOTTO-STYLE BARLEY WITH SPRING GREENS

Steps:

• Generously spray heavy large pot with nonstick spray. Place pot over medium-high heat. Add half of leeks and half of fennel to pot. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme, then barley. Add 2 1/2 cups broth and saffron. Simmer until liquid is almost absorbed, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Add remaining leeks, fennel and 4 cups broth. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until barley is tender and mixture is creamy, stirring often, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook lima beans in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender but still bright green, about 3 minutes. Drain.
• Add lima beans, spinach, Parmesan cheese and chopped basil to barley and stir to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to 6 shallow bowls. Garnish with basil sprigs and serve.

SPRING GREENS WITH LEMON DRESSING

Steps:

• To make the dressing, mix the garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil and some seasoning together. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, then add the broccoli and greens, and cook for about 5 mins until tender. Drain well, then toss through the dressing and serve.

SPRING GREENS QUICHE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/8-in. thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond rim of plate; flute edge. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of foil. Fill with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice., Bake 13 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake 3 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon. Cook and stir greens, spinach and green onions in drippings until wilted and liquid is evaporated., Brush prepared crust with egg white; layer with wilted greens, cheese and cooked bacon. In a large bowl, whisk remaining ingredients; pour over top., Bake 35-40 minutes longer or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

SPRING GREENS SALAD WITH TRADITIONAL RANCH DRESSING

Steps:

• For the ranch dressing: Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, mustard, chives, parsley and garlic in a bowl; whisk until completely combined. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
• For the salad: In a large bowl, toss the asparagus, lettuce, spinach, watercress, shallots and tomatoes together. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve.

SPRING GREENS WITH ROASTED BEETS AND BLOOD ORANGES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F. Wrap beets in foil, enclosing completely. Roast beets until tender when pierced with skewer, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool beets. Peel beets and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Whisk olive oil, Sherry wine vinegar and walnut oil in small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place mixed baby greens in large bowl. Arrange blood orange slices, finely chopped red onion and beets atop. Drizzle dressing over salad. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and serve.

SPRING GREENS, FRESH PEA, AND HAM SOUP

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add broth, potatoes, and kale. Increase heat to high and bring soup to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are just tender, about 10 minutes.
• Add ham, tomatoes, beans, rosemary, and bay leaves. Simmer on low for 15 minutes. Add peas and cook for 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper; stir in lemon juice and parsley.

SPRING GREENS WITH BEETS AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• In a small bowl toss together the pecans, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar and water; add to a warmed heavy skillet and heat until nuts are toasted, about 4 minutes.
• Sprinkle the toasted pecans with sugar and continue to cook and stir for 2 to 4 minutes or until sugar melts; spread on foil lined pan to cool.
• In a medium size bowl combine the syrup, mustard, salt and remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar; whisk in the olive oil until thoroughly incorporated.
• In a large salad bowl add the salad greens, beets and goat cheese, sprinkle with cooled pecans, drizzle with salad dressing, toss lightly and serve on chilled salad plates.
• Any remaining dressing keeps well for a few days in the refirgerator.

SPRING GREENS WITH MOLASSES VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In small bowl, mix oil, vinegar, molasses, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper with whisk.
• In large bowl, toss greens with desired amount of dressing. Top with onion and croutons. Serve with remaining dressing.

SPRING GREENS WITH FRUIT, GOAT CHEESE, AND CRANBERRY-ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a shallow serving dish, arrange the salad greens, strawberries, and onion.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad.
• Sprinkle the goat cheese on the salad. Serve immediately for the best texture.
• Nutrition Information
• (Per serving)
• Calories: 101
• Total fat: 2.0g
• Saturated: 1.0g
• Trans: 0.0g
• Polyunsaturated: 0.0g
• Monounsaturated: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 3mg
• Sodium: 42mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g
• Calcium: 57mg
• Potassium: 284mg
• Dietary Exchanges
• 1/2 fruit
• 1 other carbohydrate
• 1/2 fat

SPRING GREENS SALAD WITH DIJON VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together mustard and lemon juice in a bowl. Add oil in a steady stream, whisking until combined thoroughly. Whisk in garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
• Toss together greens and herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons vinaigrette and toss to coat. Vinaigrette can be refrigerated up to 1 week.

MIXED FRUIT AND SPRING GREENS WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE-ORANGE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Drain Mandarin oranges and reserve juice. In a large bowl, combine salad greens and fruit. Set aside.
• To make the dressing, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine vinegar, 1/3 cup reserved Mandarin juice, salt, and sugar. Gently heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in white chocolate until melted. Set aside to cool. Do not refrigerate, as white chocolate will set.
• Before serving, slowly whisk in olive oil. Spoon desired amount over salad and toss. Serve remaining dressing on side.

ONEONE-POT MUJADARA WITH CRISPY LEEKS AND SPRING GREENS

Steps:

• Place lentils in a large bowl and add warm tap water to cover by 1 inch. Let soak. 2. Meanwhile, halve leeks lengthwise; run under warm water to release any grit. Thinly slice leeks crosswise. 3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer half the leeks to a bowl to use for garnish and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. 4. Stir garlic into the pot with the remaining leeks and cook for 15 seconds until fragrant. Stir in rice and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cumin, allspice and cayenne; sauté 30 seconds. 5. Drain lentils and stir into pot. Add 4 1/4 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Rinse greens in a colander and spread damp leaves over lentil mixture. Cover and cook 5 minutes more, until rice and lentils are tender and greens are wilted. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve sprinkled with reserved crispy leeks.

SPRING GREENS WITH BERRIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the greens, oranges, berries and almonds. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinaigrette ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

SPRING-GREENS SOUP

Steps:

• Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add favas and return to a boil. Drain, then run under cold water to stop cooking. Peel off and discard skins (you should have about 1 cup favas).
• In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-high. Add shallot, garlic, celery, and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in broth, 2 cups water, turnips, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until turnips are almost tender, about 15 minutes. Add favas, English peas, and snow and snap peas. Simmer until bright green and tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Stir in watercress until wilted, about 10 seconds; season with salt and pepper. Serve, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with a few celery leaves and microgreens.

SALAD OF SPRING MESCLUN, BLOSSOMS, AND WILD GREENS, WITH LOVAGE-ALLIUM DRESSING

Steps:

• Toss greens, herbs, and blossoms together with plenty of snipped chives and lovage leaves. (Tear larger leaves to bite size pieces. A kitchen scissors works well to snip lovage and herbs down to size). Combine dry and liquid dressing ingredients, to taste, in a glass cruet and shake thoroughly before sprinkling over salad greens.

SPRING GREENS WITH ORANGE-FENNEL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk orange juice, shallots, thyme, orange peel, and honey in medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil, then fennel and fennel fronds. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewhisk before using.)
• Cut peel and white pith from oranges. Working over bowl, cut between membranes to release orange segments from pith.
• Combine assorted greens, green onions, and toasted walnuts in large bowl. Drain orange segments and add to salad. Toss salad with enough dressing to coat evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

SPRING GREENS BORSCHT

Steps:

• Fill a large pot about 3/4 full with water; bring to a boil. Add diced potatoes and cook until fork-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in green onions and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in spinach and sorrel; cook another 2 to 3 minutes, or until wilted; remove from heat.
• Pour the beaten eggs into the mixture in a slow and steady stream, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens. Season with salt, sugar, and vinegar to get a slightly sweet and tangy taste. Pour soup into a large bowl; allow soup to cool before transferring to the refrigerator to chill completely.
• Garnish with any combination of cucumber, chopped egg, sour cream, and dill.