Early spring garden salad

Step 1

Place chilled leaves in a wide mixing bowl. Scatter herbs on top. Add any baby beetroot leaves too.

Step 2

Use a mandolin or very sharp knife to thinly slice the carrots lengthwise. Place slices into iced water immediately. Do the same to the baby fennel, then finally slice the beetroot into thin rings, placing them in a separate bowl of iced water.

Step 3

Make dressing by gently heating garlic cloves in olive oil in a very small pan on medium heat, just until garlic sizzles gently and begins to turn golden. Pour oil and garlic into a small bowl, and use a fork to whisk in the walnut oil, cider vinegar and salt. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Step 4

After 5 minutes, drain all sliced vegetables and dry well on kitchen paper. Add the vegetables to the salad bowl. Break sourdough croutons into two or three pieces and add to bowl. Sprinkle sea salt on top. Rewhisk dressing and pour all over salad. Toss gently and serve immediately in shallow bowls.