The Skinny on Lettuces

There are a wide variety of lettuces: Butter Lettuce, Green Leaf Lettuce, Red Leaf Lettuce and Romaine. Lettuces are low calorie and an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and antioxidants (beta-carotene, luein and zeaxaanthin).Vitamin A helps to support skin health and immune function, while vitamin K helps keep bones strong. Beta-carotene helps you see in dim light and lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Just 3 cups of shredded lettuce is only 15 calories.

How to Select: Select fresh heads with no wilted leaves.

How to Store: Use lettuce as son as possible after purchasing. It can be stored unwashed up to four days in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper of your refrigerator.

Usage Tips: Wash thoroughly before eating or cutting.

Just-About-Spring Salad

Ingredients:

½ orange, juiced
½ lemon, juiced
½ small red onion, chopped
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt

4 large handfuls of salad greens, washed and dried
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
1 cup frozen baby peas, thawed
½ cup walnut halves, toasted

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together orange and lemon juice, red onion, olive oil and salt.

2. When you are ready to serve, place the salad greens in a large bowl. Toss gently with a generous splash of dressing. Add the carrots, peas and walnuts. Toss again.

3. Add more dressing if desired.