Salad of Romaine and Oranges

Romaine Orange Salad

In this Salad of Romaine and Oranges, crunchy lettuce and sweet oranges play well with briny olives and the crunch of chubby walnuts tossed in a simple vinaigrette. This is the kind of salad that demands second servings and will disappear every time you make it.

“In March the soft rains continued, and each storm waited courteously until its predecessor sank beneath the ground. The warmth flooded the valley and the earth burst into bloom—yellow and blue and gold.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This Salad of Romaine and Oranges fills our craving for fresh greens and bright flavors while we wait in anticipation for spring. Its that in between time. Feels like spring, bright sunshine and everything has turned green. But the mornings are still cold and more rain is on the way. Then it still feels like winter. The seasons here are late and get jumbled with influence from the great Pacific Ocean. The one thing that is constant, never flinching or wishy washy is citrus season. Every year oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes arrive to brighten the dull colors and flavors of winter cooking. READ MORE . . .

Chicken and Bread Salad with Heritage Blend Lettuce

Chicken and bread salad with heritage lettuces

The easy recipe

“Now in the cold parts of the country, don’t you think people get to wanting perishable things in the winter—like peas and lettuce and cauliflower? In a big part of the country they don’t have those things for months and months. And right here in the Salinas Valley we can raise them all year round.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Living in the Salinas Valley has piqued my interest in learning more about the local agricultural community. Since World War I, the economic growth of the Valley has been driven by agriculture. With changes in technology, food safety and consumer preferences Athena and I wanted to learn more about our local food sources. Matt Lyons, of River Ranch Fresh Foods graciously shared his knowledge about about growing lettuce in the Salinas Valley. READ MORE . . .

Salad for Dinner

Summer dinner salad on a plate

Summer on a Plate!

“Well, right now you can buy fruit and all kinds of vegetables for two bits a lug.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

We often enjoy salads for dinner. I wanted to make a salad with the fruits and colors of summer as a main dish. The chicken could easily be omitted and the salad would still evoke summer on a plate. READ MORE . . .

Pasta Salad with Pesto

Pasta and Pesto Salad

Summer Pesto and Pasta: Chapter Two

“The summer progressed and the Salinas River retired underground or stood in green pools under high banks.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

This is the second summer recipe with pasta and pesto as key ingredients. I am always searching for a summer salad to serve when grilling. When potato salad is too heavy and another green salad is not substantial enough I often make Pasta Salad with Pesto with lots of veggies. Preparing the salad for dinner can be done earlier in the day and then I have time to make dessert! Gotta leave time for important things in life, like dessert. And I should mention, any leftover salad is usually gone the next day. READ MORE . . .

Salinas Valley Early Summer Salad

Salinas Valley Early Spring Salad

Serves 4–6

“There was always some little delicacy, very special and good—foie gras or a tossed salad, pastry bought at Lang’s Bakery, just across Main Street.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

About

The Salinas Valley is just inland from Monterey Bay. The mouth of the Valley begins at the Pacific Ocean in Moss Landing. From this ocean portal, the fog pushes up the valley and settles into the cradle of Salinas located on the valley floor. A cooling moist blanket of fog envelopes our early summer. The traditional summer months of June and July are more foggy than sunny. Perfect for growing lettuce and strawberries. Our summer is late, beginning in August. September is our most consistent summer month. By the first week in November, it becomes cooler and we know fall has arrived. READ MORE . . .