The ingredients in this salad make this recipe the quintessential Southern salad. Most of these vegetables are grown here in Northwest Florida and can be found at roadside stands from Alabama to Central Florida. Our very own Palafox Farmers Market, open on Saturdays downtown, also has a many of these just-picked local vegetables. Including the edible flowers. It’s always a pleasure to get to know and support our local farmers and specialty growers. I had the pleasure of preparing this recipe in the studio for WSRE-TV “Flavors of The Coast” and it was a huge hit! The filming crew devoured this stunning salad in mere seconds after filming. For maximum flavor, it should be made and served warm or at room temperature just before presenting. For relaxed entertaining, prepare the salad in advance and keep chilled in your refrigerator. The flavors, colors and textures are both brilliant and crisp. If you want to serve it as an accompaniment, skip the lettuce completely and serve it alongside grilled aged beef or fresh-grilled Gulf seafood.