What's In Season, Early Spring Edition

VegNews' 10 Spring Produce Stars, is an awesome list of delish! I spend all Winter dreaming of the fresh veggies of Spring. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to create with the produce on the list.

Spring Greens Salad with Warm Asparagus Dressing

Mixed Spring Greens
8 spears Asparagus, chopped into 1 inch pieces
8 Button Mushrooms, sliced
6 Black Olives, sliced
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
2 tbsp Vegan Bacon Bits

Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large skillet to medium heat. Saute the asparagus for 5-7 minutes. Add the mushrooms, olives, salt, and pepper. Continue to saute, stirring often for 10 minutes or until asparagus is tender and the mushrooms have begun to brown. Add the remaining oil and let heat for 2 more minutes. Pour the warm dressing atop the greens and sprinkle with the bacon bits.

Arugula Pesto

1 large bunch Arugula
1/2 cup Olive Oil
2 tbsp Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts
1 tsp Sea Salt

Place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until a smooth paste in achieved. Note: You may add more oil if you want a thinner texture. Serve over pasta or as a dip with vegan cream cheese and toasted pita bread.

Crazy Crunch Salad

1 bunch Radishes, sliced

2 stalks Celery, chopped in ¼ in pieces

1 cup Walnuts

½ cup Vegan Mayo

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Dill

1 tsp Sea Salt

Combine all the ingredients and chill in refrigerator for at least one hour. Serve chilled.

What are some of your favorite early Spring treats?