Excerpted with permission from Farmer John’s Cookbook: the Real Dirt On Vegetables: Seasonal Recipes and Stories from a Community Farm by Farmer John Peterson and Angelic Organics (Gibbs Smith, Publisher). www.AngelicOrganics.com/cookbook

Crisp young turnips mixed with dried apricots and toasted walnuts, then tossed with a refreshing, flavorful yogurt-based dressing, make for a unique and special salad that will delight your dinner guests. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover turnip or radish greens.

Serves 4 to 6

½ cup walnut pieces
4-5 young turnips, cut into matchstick-size sticks
½ cup finely sliced dried apricots
1 small bunch parsley, chopped
1 bunch young turnip greens or radish greens, coarsely chopped
½ cup mild-favored vegetable oil
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup vinegar
¼ plain yogurt
2 shallots, quartered
1-2 jalapenos or other chili peppers, stems and seeds removed, quartered
1 clove garlic, quartered
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon grated horseradish
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Salad greens of your choice.

1. Toast the walnuts in a dry, heavy skillets over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned and fragrant. (Be careful not to over toast them, as they will burn very quickly once toasted.) Transfer the walnuts to a dish to cool.
2. Combine the turnips, apricots, and walnuts in a large bowl and stir to combine.
3. Put the parsley, chopped greens, vegetable oil, olive oil, vinegar, and yogurt into a blender; process briefly, until the ingredients are just combined. Add the shallots, chili pepper, garlic, dry mustard, horseradish, and soy sauce or tamari; process until thick and creamy. If necessary, thin the dressing with a little extra yogurt or a tablespoon of cold water.
4. Pour the dressing over the turnip-apricot-walnut mixture; toss until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line individual plates with a generous amount of salad greens; spoon the turnip mixture on top. Serve immediately.