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Spring Vegetable Salad with Lavender Buttermilk Ranch
Spring is all about fresh, vibrant flavors, and this Spring Vegetable Salad with Lavender Buttermilk Ranch captures the season perfectly. Crisp romaine, tender peas, bright cherry tomatoes, and crunchy radishes come together in a colorful, lively salad that feels light yet satisfying. The lavender in the buttermilk ranch adds a subtle floral note, bringing a playful twist to a familiar favorite. Tossed with toasted sunflower seeds for texture and a hint of herbs, each bite is a celebration of spring’s bounty. Serve it alongside a crisp, refreshing white wine and you have a dish that is as delightful to look at as it is to taste.
Spring Vegetables That Shine
This salad is a celebration of spring’s freshest produce, and each vegetable plays a starring role. Tender, sweet peas pop with every bite, offering a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispness of romaine. Radishes add a peppery crunch and a vibrant pink hue that makes the salad feel alive and playful. Snow peas bring a delicate sweetness and a satisfying snap, while cherry tomatoes provide juicy, bright bursts of flavor. Carrots contribute subtle earthiness and a cheerful orange color, tying the flavors and textures together.
The combination of these vegetables creates a salad that is not just refreshing but visually stunning. Every forkful delivers contrast, from crisp to tender, sweet to slightly peppery, making each bite interesting and satisfying. This harmony of textures and flavors allows the lavender buttermilk ranch to shine without overwhelming the vegetables. It is a dish that celebrates the season and makes fresh produce feel exciting, playful, and utterly delicious.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Weeknights or Entertaining
One of the best things about this Salad is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. The dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Just give it a quick whisk before serving to bring it back to life.
For the salad itself, prep your vegetables ahead of time by chopping, slicing, and blanching as needed, then store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the sunflower seeds aside until the moment you toss the salad so they stay crisp. When it’s time to serve, simply combine the vegetables, drizzle with the dressing, and give everything a gentle toss. This method keeps the flavors fresh, textures vibrant, and presentation beautiful, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a bright, colorful dish to impress guests at your next gathering.
Spring Vegetable Salad with Lavender Buttermilk Ranch
Ingredients
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped to desired size
- 1/3 C. fresh peas, shelled & blanched
- 6 radishes, sliced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/3 C. cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 10 snow peas, julienned
- 2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds, toasted
- For the Lavender Buttermilk Ranch:
- ½ C. buttermilk
- ½ C. mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. chives, minced
- 1 Tbsp. parsley, minced
- 1 scallion, sliced thin
- ¼ tsp. granulated garlic
- ¼ tsp. celery salt
- ¼ tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. culinary lavender
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Dress with lavender buttermilk ranch and toss well.
For the Lavender Buttermilk Ranch:
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. This dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Perfect Wine Pairings with Matanzas Creek
Bright, crisp vegetables and a subtly floral dressing call for a white wine that can match the freshness without overpowering the delicate flavors. A Sauvignon Blanc is an ideal choice, offering lively citrus and herbal notes that highlight the sweetness of peas, the crunch of radishes, and the gentle snap of snow peas. The wine’s acidity keeps the palate refreshed, making each bite feel vibrant and clean.
For those who enjoy a touch of richness in their wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay also works beautifully. Its soft texture and gentle fruit notes complement the creamy lavender buttermilk ranch, creating a harmonious balance between the salad and the wine. Pairing thoughtfully ensures the wine elevates the dish while the vegetables and dressing highlight the wine’s bright, nuanced flavors.
Matanzas Creek’s portfolio is perfectly suited for this pairing. Our crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blancs and elegantly balanced whites are crafted to enhance fresh, herb-forward dishes like this salad. Explore our selection of acclaimed wines today.
