Salads in San Francisco!
Written by Corinne Dobbas, MS, RD // July 8, 2010 // Health, Nutrition, Recipes // 13 Comments
I’m in San Francisco! 
I finished up packing in Boston (excuse my mess!)…
And started anew in San Fran!
AND my welcoming began with this apron in the San Fran airport!
I mean really? A grape greeting?!?! It couldn’t have been a bigger sign that I made the right move … literally (Ha-ha!).
Now for My Neighborhood Obsession (one of them at least … beyond the amazing farmer markets!)
Fresh Organics Inc.! 
I love this little market for its all-organic produce and emphasis on local foods. Plus, it’s literally only blocks away … so when I can’t hit up a farmer’s market for fruits and veggies … I can simply pop on down the block and enter into this world of magical, gorgeous, healthifying eats! A little cheesy I know, but I’m just really excited! What can I say? Fresh organic produce simply puts extra pep into my step … and cooking!
Some Awesome Foodie Finds
LOOK—Romano beans! My favorite! They’re very difficult to find, at least they were for me in Boston. These delicious Romanos, which may also be referred to as “Italian flat beans,” are fabulous steamed with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt—YUM!
Got greens anyone?
Tomato lovers rejoice with these baby cherry tomatoes!
Score! Oyster mushrooms! I have an extreme mushroom passion and these are my favorite! I dig them sautéed in a lil’ light soy sauce and olive oil.
Some Baby Bellas—I adore these roasted—but oyster mushrooms still top my mushroom list 
A Salad Creation
My take on salads is that they’re your oyster! Load ‘em up with all your faves! Just be sure to go heavy on the veggies and fruit (if you’re filling adventurous!) and light or nil on the creamy dressings, mountains of croutons, and coatings of cheeses. And most importantly, have fun with salads! You really can add whatever you want. This thinking out of the box will keep salads a fun, go-to staple in your home. And, if you have kids, allowing them to choose between their desired veggies or to help out with the shredding of lettuce, mixing of dressing, or chopping of veggies (if they’re old enough of course and perhaps supervised), salads can become a child-friendly favorite too.
Ingredient Highlights
Beets and a turnip! Now, there was some debate whether the white globe was a turnip or a rutabaga (a turnip cousin). I believe it’s a turnip, but if you happen to know for certain, please let me know!
The Baby Bellas!
Chopped beets and turnip!
Next Steps
I diced-up the turnip and beets and set them on foil to place in the oven, since I’m still waiting on my cookware amongst other things to arrive from Boston … Hopefully, all the stuff will come in less than a week! I need my cooking gizmos and warm clothing! I wasn’t thinking when I packed my carry-on luggage and forgot how chilly SF can be in the summer! But, it’s good to know that in a bind with no cooking pans, foil can work—just double-layer it. This will help keep the foil from breaking due to the weight of the veggies. I always make a lot, so I can eat them the next day for lunch.
I also chopped up the Baby Bellas and gave them the same “foil treatment.” Then, I added a touch of sea salt and olive oil cooking spray and baked them in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour or until tender with a fork. Note, I didn’t remove the skin from the turnip, but I would the next time I made this combo, simply because I didn’t dig the taste. But, that’s a matter of personal tastebud choice
When the veggies (beets, mushrooms, and the turnip) were done roasting, I topped them on Romaine lettuce, added some diced celery, sliced cucumbers, and shredded, imported Parmesan cheese (mmm…mmm…good!), AND the final touch—Girard’s Light Champagne Dressing.
My Nana introduced me to Girard’s Light Champagne years ago. Ever since, it’s been my favorite dressing. And I never found it in Boston. Thinking back, I should’ve ordered it online (yes, it’s that good)! Oh well … now I’ve got my hands on it!
Viola!
An almost all-organic salad (minus the salad dressing and imported parm) filled with roasted beets, turnips, and Baby Bellas, sliced and diced celery and cucumber, and shredded Parmesan cheese! Delicious. Healthy. Fiberful. And brimming with nutrients! For an added protein-filling punch, add beans, tofu, grilled seafood, meat, or poultry. Enjoy!
What are your favorite salad toppings?
I say goodbye to fad diets, bogus "fat-burning" pills, and processed, non-food food. And, I smile hello to a healthifying lifestyle full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, sweaty workouts, the occasional "chocolate fix," sleep, family and friend time, and quality "me time" with a focus on health. I look forward to your comments and thoughts as the posts healthify on by!
13 Comments on " Salads in San Francisco! "
Yay! Welcome to your new home! I’m so jealous of all that produce! How is San Fran? Are you right in the city? I bet it is bustling with life and great food, love that. That salad looks refreshing
Aw, thanks so much! SF is lovely! I am right in the city, very close to the park. In fact, tomorrow the bf and I are going to the Japanese tea garden and the Museum of Science, which are both in the park. I love the Museum of Science, and I haven’t been in years, so I’m super excited
If you visit again, you must let me know! Hope all’s well!
I absolutely love San Francisco, so that’s so awesome you moved back out there! Love farmer’s markets too. That’s awesome you’re hitting up the tea garden tomorrow. It’s so beautiful!
Thanks for breaking my heart with the boyfriend comment.
I’ve just discovered a love for beets! My salads are usually simple with a base of spinach and typically carrots and cucumber but my toppings vary from beans to cheese (my faves are a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese). And btw, that market looks fantastic!
Yum, that sounds delish! And yes, beets are absolutely wonderful! I went to the farmers market yesterday to get some more and they were all out! Everyone must be discovering their inner-beet love lol! Anywho, til next week! Thanks for the comment!
I grew romano beans the first year I had a community garden. LOVE THEM!! I hope you’re enjoying your new stomping grounds. Be sure to take the N-Judah to the end and get a coffee at Java Beach. Love it there.
Miss you!!
YUMMMMMMY!!! love california fresh produce you lucky girl! i’m just going to have to visit to try that dressing
miss you!
So funny! I was reading your post when your comment on mine popped up! I’m so glad the move when well! I am beyond jealous of your organic market so close! Is it open daily? That would make it even more amazing!!
Red onion, carrots, green peppers, banana peppers, tomatoes, and goat cheese are my favorite toppings!
Oh yes, it’s open daily
I am so jealous! I love San Francisco! I love all that tasty produce as well!
I have been so into fruit on my salads, especially for the summer time!
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