Field Greens

Mesclun, also called Field Greens or Spring Mix, is a classic green salad mix originating in the South of France. It consists of a mixture of very young leaves and shoots of wild and cultivated plants, including endive,, arugula, lamb's lettuce, oak leaf, mache, radicchio, chervil, sorrel, mizuna, purslane, etc. Sometimes edible flowers are included. 

Leaf vegetables are typically low in calories, low in fat, high in protein per calorie, high in dietary fiber, high in iron and calcium, and very high in phytochemicals such as vitamin C, carotenoids, lutein and folic acid.

Mixed Field Greens with Spiced Nuts

 Ingredients: 

1/2 lb. fresh mixed field greens 

1/2 cup spiced walnuts * 

1/2 cup crumled feta or goat cheese 

10 ripe cherry tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: 

Add all ingredients and toss with your favorite dressing. Balsamic vinegar works nicely. This salad may be topped with grilled or roasted chicken breasts for a nice, light supper. 

* If you can't purchase nuts already sugared and seasoned at the store you may prepare them ahead of time by tossing raw walnuts in a mixture of 2 tsp olive oil to coat and then roll in brown sugar with a pinch of cayenne and salt. Simply roast for 10 minutes at 300°F or until golden brown. 

Chunky Cucumber Dill Dressing

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons nonfat plain yogurt. 

3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped.

2 teaspoons granulated sugar. 

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 cup cucumber, peeled and seeded. 

1. Peel and seed cucumber and chop into tiny chunks. 

2. In a blender or food processor blend half of the cucumber with all other ingredients. Stir in remaining half cup of cucumber. Chill or serve over green salad or chicken salad.  Makes about 2 cups.