Bagel salad has everything to feel good

Salad greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals and relatively easy to throw together.

The Everything Bagel Salad pairs creamy cannellini beans with tender greens, shaved Parmesan and crunchy, buttery homemade Everything Bagel croutons. But the real star is the zesty lemon-basil pesto that binds everything together. It’s like a much-needed burst of sunshine.

I used a mix of baby spinach and arugula, but you also could opt for a simple spring mix or even butter lettuce.

If you can’t find Everything Bagel seasoning at your local grocery store, make your own. Combine 2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon toasted black sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds and 2 teaspoons each granulated onion, granulated garlic and flaky sea salt.

Everything Bagel Salad

For pesto 2 cups packed basil leaves 2 Tbsp toasted pine nuts 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup olive oil, or more to taste • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes • Kosher salt For salad 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 everything bagel, torn into bite-size pieces 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar • Juice of 1 lemon • Sea salt • Crushed red pepper flakes 6 cups baby spinach or arugula, or a mix of both 1/4 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese 1 Tbsp Everything Bagel spice blend

Make pesto: In blender or food processor, combine all ingredients except salt and pulse until smooth, but still a bit chunky, about one minute. Add a little more olive oil if it seems too thick. Taste and add salt as needed. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Make salad: In large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. When oil shimmers, add bagel pieces and cook, tossing occasionally, until crispy and toasted, about five minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In medium bowl, toss together beans, 1/3 cup pesto, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice and a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.

Add salad greens, shaved Parmesan and Everything Bagel spice and toss to combine.

Divide salad among four bowls and top with bagel croutons.

Serves four.