Spring greens, usually a combination of mizuna, tatsoi, red oakleaf, sorrel, arugula and frisee, used to show up only at high-end restaurants but recently has become a year-round staple in supermarket produce aisles.

TAMMY LJUNGBLAD/The Kansas City Star

Spring Greens With Fennel and Herbs offers a taste of spring loaded with nutrition and flavor.

Spring Greens With Fennel and Herbs is a fresh, clean-tasting combination of greens and fresh herbs. Adding fresh herbs has its perks: Tarragon contains terpene, a phytochemical that helps stimulate cancer-protective enzymes, and parsley contains powerful antioxidants that stimulate the immune system.

Fresh green beans are low in calories, fat and sodium but high in fiber, vitamins A and C and potassium, while a blush of red radish adds eye appeal.

Fennel adds a lovely bite. Bonus: It's rich in vitamin A and contains fair amounts of potassium, phosphorous and calcium.

Finally, a homemade vinaigrette gives this salad a sprightly finish.

Shopping tips: Fennel looks a bit like an alien spaceship. The antennae "fronds" should be bright green, and the "pod" or bulb should be creamy white without any brown spots.

You can buy bagged or boxed spring greens in the produce section of the supermarket, or you can buy individual heads of lettuce and devise your own mix. Just keep in mind that the darker the greens, the more good-for-you nutrients they contain.

Preparation tip: Slice off and discard the fennel fronds. Slice the bulb as you would an onion.

Storage tip: Fennel will keep for up to a week if refrigerated in a zip-top plastic storage bag.

Cook green beans in 1/3 cup boiling water 4 minutes. Drain and submerge in ice water until chilled, then drain again.

Combine torn greens, sliced fennel, sliced radishes, parsley, tarragon, chives and drained green beans in salad bowl.

Whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Drizzle over greens and toss well. Season generously with pepper.

Makes 4 servings.

PER SERVING:

Calories

Fat 2 g (trace sat) No cholesterol Sodium 142 mg Fiber 6g

Carbohydrates 14 g

Protein 3 g

SOURCE: The Kansas City Star