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 . . .

One Bowl Greek Salad

One Bowl Greek Salad

One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite.

“On the wide level acres of the valley the topsoil lay deep and fertile. It required only a rich winter of rain to make it break forth in grass and flowers. The spring flowers in a wet year were unbelievable. The whole valley floor, and the foothills too, would be carpeted with lupins and poppies.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

My oregano plant thrives in the winter. It had outgrown its’ space and got a good trim. Oregano is very pungent when fresh. It pairs well with other strong and assertive flavors. One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite. READ MORE . . .

The Three R’s of Salad: Romaine, Red Leaf and Radicchio

Three R Salad: Romaine, Red Leaf & Radicchio

A favorite salad

“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Need another salad recipe? I promise this one is worth sharing, it’s become a favorite. This salad has it all– crunchy, sweet, tangy, salty, smooth and bitter. I find myself making it several times a month. Two of us pretty much eat the entire bowl. Sometimes there is enough left for my lunch the next day. Besides, I wouldn’t want anyone to think I live on sweets! READ MORE . . .

Red Rice and Apple Salad in Romaine Spears

Red Rice and Apple Salad with Romaine spears

Early Autumn Light

“Another man, but he was crazy, said that someday there’d be a way, maybe ice, maybe some other way, to get a peach like this here I got in my hand clear to Philadelphia.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The morning light had just climbed past the horizon. A patchwork quilt of chartreuse, emerald, scarlet and a violet tinged sage green blanketed the view from Spreckels to the south-western city limits of Salinas. The sheen of iridescent fall light lingered on Tanimura and Antle’s fields of Artisan® Lettuces and Artisan® Sweet Broccoli. I was charmed by the vibrant fields bursting with stellar produce just ten minutes from my home. Tanimura and Antle is a company rich in the history of agriculture in the Salinas Valley. Leaders in agricultural innovation and growth three generations of the Tanimura and Antle families have farmed the valley making a strong contribution to the wide variety of fresh produce we enjoy at the grocery store today. READ MORE . . .