One of my favorite things about spring and summer is walking to the farmers market on Saturday mornings. I wouldn’t peg myself as a floral skirt wearing, beautiful basket carrying type of girl but the atmosphere makes me think I can become one. It also makes me think I can Irish tap dance, weave rugs and master the pottery wheel. Don’t ask me why those things because I have no idea. What I do know, is that Asparagus Salad with Challah Bread Croutons and Pickled Radishes makes me sing.

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The most magical thing though, is that my kids will sample the most random veggies for a two dollar token. They can use their token to purchase whatever veggies they want (most of the time the pick is carrots). I try to be a good mama and not steer them in the direction that works in my favor. Like say, spring radishes……

or asparagus…

 

The arrival of these two beauties at the market is the equivalent of the joy I feel on my birthday. Happy, happy, happy. To celebrate, let’s make this salad shall we? Asparagus Salad with Challah Bread Croutons and Pickled Radishes. This is a party in your mouth kind of a salad: Bright asparagus, sweet and peppery radishes, nutty cannellini, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and rich toasted challah bread.

How to make Asparagus Salad with Challah Bread Croutons and Pickled Radishes

Start by getting a little heat and butter onto those beautiful asparagus. Just a quick saute will help maximize the flavor and minimize any bitterness.

Here’s what just takes this next level: Challah bread skillet croutons. Challah bread is rich and slightly sweet. Toasted in olive oil and herbs, it brings a lot of magic to this salad: the perfect crunch, buttery flavor, and ummm bread. Its an obvious choice to add this in.

Do radishes scare you? Please, don’t let them. There are lots of varieties out there and if you want them sweet, feel free to ask around at market! I look for french radishes (small, round shape and red on the outside) because I love their peppery flavor.  Which, by the way, will tone down with a quick pickle. The radishes are not overbearing at all here and add such a nice “zing”.

Just pretend you’re a kid about to get a two dollar token for trying… You’re about to win big.

Happy eating friends!

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[tasty-recipe id=”1883″]