Spring menu features spiced chicken and vibrant produce

As spring approaches, many people feel a strong desire for fresh and vibrant vegetables. This article offers a menu perfect for those craving bright flavors. It features a colorful salad inspired by Vietnamese cuisine. The salad includes hothouse cucumbers, sweet carrots, and cabbage. It can be made with purple cabbage for added color, but regular cabbage works too. The dressing is a flavorful mix of garlic, ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, and jalapeño, making the vegetables shine. This salad is not just a stand-alone dish; it pairs well with roast chicken, grilled meats, or baked sweet potatoes. For the main course, spiced chicken breasts wrapped in puff pastry are recommended. They might sound complicated, but they are easy to prepare. Store-bought puff pastry can be used, and the only tricky part is ensuring the chicken pieces are the same size. The chicken is seasoned, coated with a mixture of crème fraîche and mustard, then baked until golden. This method helps keep the chicken juicy. To finish the meal, a light dessert of tangerine yogurt sherbet is suggested. It can be made in an ice cream maker or simply in a bowl in the freezer. The sorbet is served in hollowed-out tangerines or in glasses, with candy ginger as a nice addition. This fresh, colorful menu is a great way to enjoy the crisp flavors of spring.