Normally salad does not pop to mind much for me during the winter. I think we naturally begin to eat from seasonal cues and hearty, warm foods are what most appeal. However I’ve been craving the robust flavors and textures of cool weather greens.
When I took my first trip of 2012 to Jay Hill Farm January 4th, I was bowled over by the heady aroma of the herbs when opening the outdoor fridge where they are kept for pickup. A good nose full of dill, basil, and mint was just what the doctor ordered for post-holiday binge recovery and gave way to inspiration for some new salad ideas.
The greens I have access to right now are not lettuce (though I did find some last week and used the dressing from the Arugula Apple-Beet Candied Pecan salad I made last week which was great) and I’m determined to come up with new combinations other than cooking them. Out of that sentiment I now have my new favorite winter salad: Spicy Mustard Mint Mizuna salad. A mouthful of ‘M’s’ to say but a mouthful of flavor unrivaled.
Mustard has a spicy bite similar to arugula.
I love arugula and mustard bears the same spicy bite as arugula. Jay Hill’s farmer, Rowan Rozanski shared the variety of mustard I used from her farm is called Osaka Purple Mustard but that the flavor of mustard is fairly consistent across all the different varieties.
Mizuna is a feathery green also with a very faint peppery flavor though is very mild compared to mustard.
The mint I used was a free starting crossbreed that tasted so good Rowan cultivated it. It has a great flavor between a peppermint and spearmint with notes of lemon Rowan noticed.
It’s impossible not get excited about food when cutting into heirloom carrot varieties. The Purple Dragon is my favorite. I love slicing into the deep burgundy carrot to reveal the yellow and orange core.
As I was making this and writing it down for print, I wondered, do you taste your food as you are preparing it? I think that is essential especially for raw foods. A mixed salad like this may play out differently to different taste buds and can be altered accordingly. I’m a big believer in making food your own so be sure to taste your greens and mix up the proportions how it suits you. Same goes for salad dressing.
kita says
Oh how I wish I could serve a salad like this in my house. It's beautiful and I can just imagine that flavors. Fresh and wonderful. But sadly, BF only likes spinach salads (well, I guess I can't be too upset, at least its not ice burg). I could sneak in the carrots and maybe a little mint though!
Ann says
Beautiful salad! I love salads and while I don't eat as many during the winter – there are days I can't get enough of them! Your photos are stunning and I've just GOT to pin your carrot pic!
Kim Bee says
This is lovely. I want those carrots something awful. I just picked up 4 kinds of pears tonight so this is great for inspiration. I love the dressing as well. I usually hate dressing and like my salads dry but this is one I would give a whirl.
Kelly Mulcair Registered Nutritionist. Content © 2011 Trinity Nutrition. says
What a stunning salad ~ I absolutely love it and the presentation as well. It's going up on my salad board at pinterest 🙂 – have a great day.
Boulder Locavore says
Kelly you have made my day; thank you!
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour says
That's a stunning salad indeed! I'm digging the carrots (pun intended)! It keeps it interesting when vegetable colors aren't what you'd expect.
Boulder Locavore says
I agree Lisa. I think especially at this time of year, which is so often dreary, more color is great. And usually means more nutritional value too!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
What a beautiful salad, so vibrant and fresh.
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Sylvie. The flavor is very lively as well!
suzanna says
I enjoyed the! thanks 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Suzanna!
Rikki says
This looks really good! Bright and colorful!
Boulder Locavore says
Thanks Rikki.
Kiri W. says
Wow, what gorgeous colors 🙂 The flavors sound wonderful too – perfect winter salad!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Kiri. I think this fits closely with the goal of 'eating the rainbow' daily for all the colors.
Viviane Bauquet Farre - Food and Style says
Toni, What a gorgeous salad! I love mizuna – so spunky! I grew some in my veggie garden last year and it did so well. You're making me long for spring. The Tangerine vinaigrette is brilliant!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you Viviane. I love how delicate mizuna is but still with a bit of a bite.
motherrimmy says
What a terrific salad. I love that you've taken advantage of seasonal vegetables!
Boulder Locavore says
Thank you! It can be a challenge this time of year but this salad has unending flavor making it feel winter-worthy rather than the light greens in the spring.
Sarah says
So glad I'm not the only one who gets excited over heirloom carrots! We grew some one year and they were divine. The tangerine balsamic dressing sounds really good!
Boulder Locavore says
I love heirloom carrots AND any vegetable with a surprise inside (watermelon radishes are another favorite!).
Cooking with Michele says
Very pretty…makes me crave spring!
Boulder Locavore says
Thanks Michele!
Lea Ann (Highlands Ranch Foodie) says
Beautiful salad Toni. I especially like the tangerine balsamic. I'm such a sucker for vinaigrettes. I happen to be one of those who does eat alot of salads in the Winter. Usually for lunch. That way I can sin with all the pastas, meatloafs and stews for dinner. 🙂
Boulder Locavore says
Anything with balsamic vinegar 'speaks to me'. I love that it's not quite as tart as most vinegar with such a rich flavor. If you like spicy greens you'd love this. I loved the different bites of the mustard and the mint combined.