Green Salad Plus Food

SCOOPABLE GREEN CHOPPED SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad base: Add the asparagus, sugar snap peas, mint, cucumbers, avocado and jalapeno to a large bowl.
• For the dressing: Process the parsley, spinach, yogurt, chives, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a blender or food processor until smooth and bright green.
• For serving: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss with tongs to combine thoroughly; season with salt and pepper. Serve tortilla chips alongside it for scooping.

GREEN SALAD WITH DILL VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the garlic and rice vinegar, and set aside to mellow out.
• Meanwhile, trim the root end off the romaine heart and chop lettuce crosswise into bite-size pieces. Add the romaine, arugula and parsley to a large bowl or salad spinner. Fill with cold water, swish the greens, then lift the spinner basket (or lift the greens out and transfer to a colander in the sink) and drain the water. Repeat 2 to 3 more times, or until the water runs clear and no grit remains. Spin-dry the greens or dry them very well by laying them out on a large kitchen towel, folding the towel in half and gently patting down to remove moisture. Rinse and dry the large bowl, and return the greens to the bowl, cover with the damp kitchen towel and refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes. (Greens washed, dried and covered this way can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)
• When you're ready to serve, finish the vinaigrette: To the garlic and vinegar, add the olive oil, dill, fish sauce, sugar and 1 tablespoon cold water, and season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
• Add a couple of tablespoons of the vinaigrette to the salad greens, and toss, adding more as needed to evenly coat. The salad should be lightly dressed, not drowned. Taste for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper as desired.

THE GREENEST GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• Line a large plate with paper towels. Set aside. Bring a medium saucepan of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the snap peas, and cook until just tender, about 90 seconds. Use a strainer to remove the peas onto the prepared plate, and spread out in a single layer. Allow to cool and dry completely (the dressing won't stick to a wet snap pea). Cut each pea in half crosswise on the bias.
• In a large bowl, combine the snap peas, romaine, cucumbers and green onions. Mix well to combine. Add the avocado and about half the dressing. Mix gently with your hands until the salad is well coated with dressing, adding more if necessary. Taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve cold, immediately. Cover and refrigerate remaining dressing for up to 1 week.