So long to braised short ribs, Bolognese and beef stew. It’s time for spring! We have visions of salads and flatbreads and quiche dancing through our heads. We also have the lowdown on a variety of dishes from local restaurants that’ll have you feeling ready for the onset of the spring season. Maybe you’re trying to slim down to fit into that summer wardrobe, maybe not. Either way, when the weather gets warm, then eating healthier, fresher and lighter food just seems to come naturally.
Tricolore Salad Pizza
When you’re torn between ordering a salad or pizza for lunch, why not opt for both in one dish? The tricolore salad pizza ($12.50) starts with a caramelized Parmesan crust, which is topped with chilled arugula, baby red leaf lettuce, radicchio, tomatoes and shaved Grana Padano Parmesan, tossed in a balsamic Dijon vinaigrette. The full-service pizzeria chain also has a spate of mouthwatering, fresh salads, like the new caramelized peach salad ($8/half or $11.75/full) with spinach, field greens, dried cranberries, red onion, toasted pecans and gorgonzola cheese. Or keep it garden fresh and try the roasted vegetable salad ($9.50/half or $13.25/full) with artichoke hearts, asparagus, red and yellow peppers, corn and sun-dried tomatoes, served warm with romaine, avocado and homemade Dijon balsamic vinaigrette. Half sizes of the salads are perfect for one; full sizes are great to share. 12489 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.424.4890
Bruschetta
It doesn’t get lighter and fresher than the bruschetta at Solo’s Pizza Café, a returning customer favorite, made with Roma tomatoes, fresh garlic and onion, lightly marinated with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, topped with fresh basil and served on lightly toasted ciabatta bread ($5.95). This appetizer is an example of one of the seasonal dishes that gets rolled out a few times each year at the locally owned pizzeria. Salads also round out the menu options, either as an accompaniment to or instead of pizza, like the chipotle chicken chop salad and the balsamic chicken salad ($7.95/large). Also, the Monterey macaroni and cheese pizza—back on the menu this spring—is a playfully inventive choice that’s a treat for kids and adults alike ($6.25/small or $7.75/large). Owner Brian Banick expects some new variations of the bread bowl pastas to appear on the spring menu as well. 13356 Bass Lake Rd.; 763.551.9999
Tuscan White Bean Salad
The Tuscan white bean salad ($5 or $2.25 with an entrée) at Houlihan’s is almost as much fun to look at as it is to eat. Field greens, white beans and tomatoes are formed into a circular mold, topped with a ball of goat cheese for spreading, drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction, and served with toasted Tuscan bread that’s been brushed with olive oil. The salad is one of many light, springy dishes you find on the menu, including a seared Ahi tuna salad with napa cabbage, cilantro, bananas and cashews, tossed in a banana-ginger vinaigrette and topped with crispy wonton strips ($14.50). The spinach salad with hazelnuts, fresh berries, goat cheese and chicken ($12.95) will result in a happy explosion of tangy, crunchy and fresh flavors in your mouth, and the jumbo grilled shrimp is equally light, served with grilled asparagus and bread salad ($17.95). 12725 Elm Creek Blvd N.; 763.494.5380
Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
You don’t have to order a salad to find a dish filled with light, refreshing flavors. At P.F. Chang’s, try the ginger chicken with broccoli ($13.75), made with stir-fried chicken breast, green onions and ginger, centered in a ring of fresh broccoli, resulting in flavors that are fragrant and fresh. As a starting point, the Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps are crisp and delicious, a signature appetizer made with wok-seared minced chicken, mushrooms, green onions and water chestnuts, with crispy rice sticks and lettuce cups ($7.95). The menu also includes numerous seafood options like Asian grilled Norwegian salmon with fresh asparagus or orange peel shrimp in a mild chili sauce. 12071 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.493.9377
Salted Tart
Chef Arnaud de Rambures is always up to something new when the seasons change, and this spring is nothing different. His new salted tart’s base is made with Viennese bread dough, a combination of brioche dough and bread dough that has a consistency like pizza crust. On top of that you’ll find an herbed soft cheese with garlic and a layer of roasted vegetables like broccoli, red pepper, mushroom and carrots ($5.15 per slice). The tart will be offered as one of the options with the lunch combination, which includes a small salad, slice of quiche and a drink for $7.50. Choices of quiche include the quiche Lorraine with ham and cheese, goat cheese and spinach, or onion. 13332 Bass Lake Rd.; 763.568.7756
Mojito Pita
Maple Tavern Chef David Lanthos always enjoys putting some time into new seasonal dishes. At the time of publication, he was expecting to have some brand new items on the spring menu, but will also bring back some favorites from last year, including the mojito pita–a fluffy pita stuffed with mojito marinated chicken breast, mojito spiked mayonnaise, shredded lettuce and a house made pico de gallo ($9.95). For fresh seasonal salads, go with the summer salad, made with a bed of baby spinach tossed with apples, berries and candied walnuts, served in raspberry vinaigrette ($8.95). Check the current menu for additional newcomer dishes. 9375 Deerwood Lane N.; 763.425.2700
Mussels
A whole host of menu items come into favor with customers at Claddagh Irish Pub once the weather turns warm. For example, you might decide to forgo the sheperd’s pie or the corned beef and cabbage in exchange for the mussels, which are always enjoyable come springtime, steamed here in a creamy Harp lager broth ($9.99). The flatbread selections, which are popular year-round, have a couple of items that lend themselves to the spring palate, including the house barbecue chicken and the spinach topped with marinara sauce, buffalo mozzarella and spinach ($7.99). The chicken Caesar wrap is a tidy offering for lunch, stuffed with chicken and Caesar salad with romaine and parmesan ($5.99). 7890 Main St., 763.773.7400
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Golden and red beets add a splash of color and a sweet, earthy flavor to 3 Squares’ beet salad, which starts with greens and fresh herbs, and finishes with the beets and panko crusted goat cheese ($11). It’s no wonder the classic combination of flavors is so popular! The turkey burger is an alternative to a heavier beef burger in the summer months, and the one here is the most popular dish on the menu: a seasoned patty topped with peanut pesto aioli, pepper jack cheese and shredded lettuce ($11). 12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy., 763.425.3330
