Power Up Winter Salads: Fresh Microgreens and Salad Mixes From Winter Farmers Markets

Changing up winter salads can bring new life to your meals. Many people try to incorporate salad into their daily diet because it’s good for them. Using a variety of local ingredients provides both great flavor and nutrition. 

I love the taste of fresh greens, grown locally and often harvested the day before the farmers market. That’s typical in summer, but many farmers produce salad greens and microgreens year-round. There’s no need to wait for summer to enjoy a salad with local ingredients. Try visiting a farmers market to see what fresh greens are available.

Salad greens and microgreens are great sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and each variety has its own flavor profile. 

Microgreens are tiny, immature versions of vegetables, herbs and other plants harvested one to two weeks after planting. Research from the University of Maryland shows that microgreens contain four to 40 times more nutrients than their fully mature counterparts.

You may find microgreens as a fancy garnish at an upscale restaurant, but you can also buy them locally at a winter farmers market. I add them to salads for an extra nutrient and flavor boost. 

If you’re unsure what to buy, ask your grower what they recommend and why.

I also suggest making your own vinaigrette dressings. They are easy to make and add wonderful flavor to your salads.

Basic Vinaigrette Recipe

YIELD: 1 cup

⅓ cup vinegar
   (try balsamic, red wine, white wine, sherry or lemon juice)

⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste
   (¼ tsp salt and fresh pepper to start, then adjust)

Place into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously. Dressing will keep for about one to three weeks in the refrigerator.

Add any of the following ingredients for variety (per 1 cup dressing). Try one added ingredient at a time.

For savory vinaigrettes, try:

1 tsp minced garlic* or shallots*

1 tsp spices (Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, etc.)

1 tsp Parmesan cheese

1-2 tsp Dijon mustard

For a sweet vinaigrette, try:

2 Tbsp local honey* or jam*

⅓ cup sherry or white wine vinegar

* Items may be available at a winter farmers market

Note: These vinaigrettes contain no additives, so the oil and vinegar will separate, and the oil will congeal if refrigerated. Remove the dressing from the refrigerator in advance or place the tightly sealed jar in a warm water bath.

Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN, is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education and connections to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ILFMA.org.