Winter Dishes That Feel More Like Spring
apple and radicchio salad; creamy lemon pesto pasta
Hi friends,
First, thank you SO much to everyone who submitted my reader survey! It has been quite invaluable and interesting to read everyone’s responses. If you haven’t gotten a chance, there’s still time to fill it out.
I’ll share the high-level results next week, but the biggest takeaway is that many of you are looking for more plant-based recipes (lentils! beans! tofu!), and I’ve already started researching new ideas!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled newsletter.
This might be a bit controversial, but every winter, I inevitably hit a point where I just can’t handle another soup, stew, or braise—or really, anything that falls into the “hearty” category. Which is ironic, considering I’ve built my brand around cozy, comforting dishes.
It happens gradually at first, and then all at once; suddenly, I find myself needing the bright, fresh flavors of spring. Do you ever feel that way?
This leaves me in a bit of a predicament… what do you do when you’re craving something juicy and vibrant in the dead of winter? (And yes, I do consider March the dead of winter in Massachusetts).
One solution? Citrus. Citrus is a great reprieve, and I find myself piling oranges, lemons, and grapefruit into bowls, bringing a little sunshine into winter.
Tangy Apple and Radicchio Salad
This tangy apple and radicchio salad is another one. I make many variations of it, sticking to the basic formula of sweet/tart fruit + mustard-y vinaigrette + some sort of greens (kale, radicchio, escarole, endive, etc.) + some sort of cheese. I love the nuts (they’re actually so good and perfect), but when I need a quick weeknight side, I skip them, and I’m still very satisfied.
It would be great with some slow-roasted citrus salmon or miso salmon or maybe these beans with herb oil.
Lemon Pesto Pasta
If you’re feeling extra citrus-y, this lemon pesto pasta is truly the perfect winter to spring transition dish. Fair warning: you need to be a fan of lemon to fully enjoy this dish. I only recently realized that not everyone shares my love for lemons—who knew? So, just giving you a heads-up!
What are your favorite dishes for getting through this awkward transition between winter and spring? Let me know! <3
- Karishma