April 2025! Lettuce Surprise You! Go For Greens with Harvest of the Month

By Ruthie Chipps, MS, RDN, CD, LD, Hy-Vee Dietitian and Jackson In Action Contributor

Go for the Greens this Spring

You’ve heard April showers bring May flowers, but for dietitians, spring is all about fresh, vibrant salad greens! After a long winter, nothing beats crisp, peak-season produce, which offers some of the freshest and best-tasting items—all while helping you save on your grocery bill.

The many lettuce varieties include Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Romaine, Bibb, Iceberg, Arugula, Escarole, Spinach and Kale. Dive in and review three luscious leafy greens to add to your cart this season:

1) Romaine – The Crunch Champion: This springtime classic is fiber-packed to keep you full longer and it’s perfect for salads or grilling. Available in full romaine heads or pre-washed and cut, romaine provides vitamins C, K, and A, calcium, folate, magnesium, and potassium.

2) Arugula – The Peppery Powerhouse: There is no better time than Spring to give arugula a shot! Arugula is a dark green, peppery, leafy green related to broccoli, kale, and cabbage. A variety you might see in the supermarket is "baby arugula, " an early harvest plant. Arugula is rich in calcium, iron, Vitamin A, K, folate and magnesium. Arugula also contains antioxidants and protective compounds that can help with cell maintenance, and disease prevention. Enjoy this intensely flavorful green as a sandwich topper, in pasta, mixed salads, soups or sauces.

3) Spring Mix – The All-Star Blend: When you think of spring, the obvious is Spring Mix Greens which is a mixture of a variety of lettuces including baby spinach, red leaf, green leaf, mustard greens, arugula and endive. You can purchase Spring Mix ready to go in the produce department.

For the best results when washing greens, use a salad spinner. This removes excess liquid and results in a crisp and refreshing salad. Enjoy the spring season and refresh your lettuce options with Romaine, Arugula and Spring Mix!

Looking for more ways to refresh your nutrition this spring? Hy-Vee Dietitians are here to help. Whether you need inspiration for incorporating more greens into your meals or personalized nutrition guidance, our dietitians offer individual consultations and a monthly subscription program. Many insurance plans are now accepted! To connect with a Hy-Vee Dietitian, schedule a free “Discovery Session.” Learn more by visiting Hy-Vee.com/Health or click here: Best Dietitians Near Me: Nutrition Counseling and Meal Planning (hy-vee.com)

Recipe: Spring Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
This colorful rainbow-bright salad is filled with good nutrition and the perfect spring delight with a sweet-tart raspberry dressing.

SPRING RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE SALAD

All you need:
Raspberry Vinaigrette:
½ c. Hy-Vee Select olive oil
3 tbsp. Hy-Vee white distilled vinegar
3 tbsp. Hy-Vee red raspberry preserves
1 ½ tsp. Hy-Vee stone ground Dijon mustard
½ tsp. Hy-Vee salt
⅛ tsp. Hy-Vee ground black pepper
Salad:
1 (5-oz.) bag Dole spring
2 c. fresh green beans, cleaned & cut
1 c. fresh broccoli florets, chopped
4 medium tomatoes on the vine, sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 medium orange bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 c. radishes, sliced

All you do:
1. To make Raspberry Vinaigrette, combine olive oil, vinegar, raspberry preserves, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl; set aside.

2. For salad: arrange Spring mix, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes and carrots on a large platter. Top with bell pepper strips and radishes. Serve with raspberry vinaigrette.

Recipe Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/discover/recipes/spring-salad-with-raspberry-vinaigrette

Photo: Hy-Vee

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.