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Although the original recipe focuses on asparagus, Mary Sue and Susan encourage cooks to substitute any spring favorites, from beans to artichokes. We used asparagus as well as snap peas. The recipe calls for mushrooms, which this writer is allergic to, so those were omitted (we can only imagine the extra depth they would give to the dish).

Preparing the vegetables consists of blanching the asparagus (and snap peas, in our case) and sautéing mushrooms with garlic, parsley, and lemon juice. Although we did not sauté them, we lightly tossed our blanched snap peas in this mixture just to incorporate some of the same flavors. Baby greens such as mâche, oak leaf, and watercress form the base of the salad.

The dressing consists of roasted almonds, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This is the time to use good quality olive oil; we chose one with stronger green notes. Blended in the food processor, the vinaigrette is rather thick; we ended up thinning it with additional olive oil and water. (In its original state, we might use it as a dip for snacking on snap peas.) The roasted almonds and the pungency of extra virgin olive oil and fresh cracked black pepper provide just the right compliment to the fresh spring vegetables – distinctive yet not too heavy handed.

• Get the recipe: Baby Greens and Asparagus with Almond Vinaigrette from Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

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Recipe: Asparagus-Bean Salad Over Arugula
Recipe: Meyer Lemon Grain Salad with Asparagus, Almonds and Goat Cheese
Recipe: Snap Peas with Meyer Lemon and Mint