One of the pleasures of building a great salad is all the possibility when it comes to blending textures and flavors. This vibrant mix is the perfect case in point: tender lettuces, sweet and crispy carrots, snap peas and celery hearts, earthy mushrooms, zesty slices of red onion, all tossed in a light and tangy buttermilk dressing. Top it with a generous handful of crunchy croutons and you end up with a culinary study that proves that with the right combination of ingredients, contrast can indeed lead to deliciously unified results.

Prep/cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. (5 oz.) DOLE® Spring Mix
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 cup chopped celery hearts
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 4 medium white mushrooms, sliced
• Buttermilk dressing (recipe below) – or substitute SE Grocers Classic Ranch Dressing
• 1 cup croutons

Recipe steps:

1. Combine salad blend, snap peas, celery, carrots, onion and mushrooms in large bowl.
2. Toss with Buttermilk Dressing, to taste.
3. Top with croutons.
4. Buttermilk - Dressing: Whisk together 1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk, 1/4 cup light mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/8 teaspoon paprika and ground black pepper, to taste, until blended. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Nutritional information:

Serving Size (1 bowl - 125g); 100 Calories, 3g Fat (0g Saturated), 0mg Cholesterol, 1690mg Sodium, 16g Carbohydrates, 4g Fiber, 5g Sugars, 4g Protein, 40% Vitamin C; 190% Vitamin A; 10% Calcium; 8% Iron.