Latrell’s Easy Parsley and Romaine Salad

Live your best life! That is my motto. My name is Menia L. Chester, I am a chef and owner of Desserts by Latrell and Southern Jazz and Sweets. My goal is to teach you about food, finance, anything about the home, gardening, and healthy living.

Springtime in the south brings pollen, the insects we like and the ones that we can do without! I tell everyone that we need bugs. Everyone knows about honeybees and butterflies, but did you know that birds and ladybugs are also considered to be pollinators?

We need pollinators to help spread pollen for trees and flowers. Some of these flowers are located on fruit and vegetable plants. Okra has the one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. Although some people are allergic to pollen, it is very important for reproduction in most plants.

The month of April is the time to plant warm-season crops. These include beans (snap, pole and lima), cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and watermelon. There are also many herbs that will thrive in the shade in spring months and early summer.

This is a fun time to experiment with different recipes that use fresh herbs. I love to put mint in my salads and my tea. Have you every used parsley in a salad? It brings a freshness that simply delicious!

LATRELL’S EASY PARSLEY AND ROMAINE SALAD

½ cup chopped curly parsley leaves

4 cups romaine lettuce-roughly chopped

1 Roma tomato seeded and roughly chopped

¼ cup chopped candied pecans

½ cup garlic flavored croutons

1 tablespoon minced chives

¼ cup salad dressing of your choice

Diced chicken breast (optional)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a salad bowl. Toss with salad dressing and add optional diced chicken before serving. Enjoy!

If you have questions, would like to see other recipes, or would like to learn about events by Latrell, please visit email www.southernjazzandsweets.com.