spring is definitely being felt here in nyc. the past week we have had temperatures coming close to 60°! after the winter we've had those temps feel amazing. this past weekend frank and i were able to relax for a little while at our neighborhood park that overlooks new york harbor and the lovely lady liberty (statue of liberty). we enjoyed the sun's warmth; frank reading the newspaper, and me trying to soak up as much vitamin d as i possibly could. it was a couple hours much needed. just enough to forget the cold days that are behind us, and to remind us of the warmer ones that lie ahead.
most of the farmer's markets here (at least in brooklyn) are year round. but you notice that as soon as spring hits the vendors are carrying things are actually green! i think i went a little overboard on shoots and sprouts this time. a vendor had buckets upon buckets of the most beautiful looking little sprouts, i would have bought them all if i could! one of our favorite vendors that we usually see in brooklyn was there (we call him the "potato man" because he's the only person to carry our white yams that we're obsessed with), and he brought with him these awesome spring shallots (pictured above). alone and raw the shallots are quite tasty, but roasted with some olive oil and salt, and these onions are really good!
the ingredients in the salad were inspired by what i saw at the market; what was fresh, and in season. i understand that not everyone has a farmer's market in their neighborhood. so if you're wanting to make a roasted vegetable salad, use what looks good to you, or what veggies you like, and go from there.
• for the salad •
1 bunch baby carrots, cut lengthwise
4.5 oz asparagus, rinsed and bottoms trimmed
2 oz spring onions, rinsed and bottoms trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
2 teaspoons thyme (i used dried, but if you have fresh thyme 3-5 sprigs)
2 teaspoons parsley
large grain sea salt to taste
fresh ground pepper
3.5 oz pea shoots, sprouts, and baby spring greens (likewise, you can use mesclun or any other greens)
• poppy seed vinaigrette •
2 tablespoons shallot (about 1 shallot), chopped
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons good dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• directions •
pre heat oven to 400°
line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
in a mixing bowl, combine the carrots with some of the olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. (i don't give a precise amount of each, because it really depends on your preference.) turn out onto the prepared baking sheet and place in oven. time the carrots for 15 minutes
while the carrots are baking, toss the asparagus in the same mixing bowl with olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. after the 15 minutes, place the asparagus onto the baking sheet with the carrots, toss gently - turn timer to 5 minutes
in the mixing bowl, combine the onions with the last of the olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. add onions to the baking sheet, toss the vegetables again - return the pan to the oven, lower the temperature to 375° and time for 15 minutes
the vegetables should be lightly browned when ready (you may need to adjust the cook time depending on your oven). remove from the oven and let cool
while the veggies are cooling, make your dressing (i made the dressing a couple days in advance, so you can totally do this whenever). combine all the dressing ingredients, except the poppy seeds, in a small (or large) food processor and blend until the ingredients are combined and smooth. pour into a container and add the poppy seeds, mix to combine
in a large bowl, combine your greens with some dressing to coat. add the roasted veggies and drizzle with more dressing. serve and enjoy