IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Eric Ripert embraces spring with fresh, vegetable-focused dishes

"My grandmother made (byaldi) on Sundays to bring with us when we visited our extended family in the countryside."
/ Source: TODAY

Chef, author and television personality Eric Ripert is joining TODAY to share a few of his favorite fresh fruit and vegetable recipes from his new cookbook "Vegetable Simple: A Cookbook." He shows us how to make broiled Caesar salad gratin, a colorfully layered French vegetable casserole and sweet watermelon "pizza" with salty, briny toppings.

TODAY has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by TODAY.

Byaldi is a very typical Provençal dish similar to a very fancy ratatouille. My grandmother made it on Sundays to bring with us when we visited our extended family in the countryside. We would have to drive for hours, but we didn't mind because the smell of the byaldi in the car was so good. It took everything we had not to steal a piece before we arrived at my aunt Monique's house. We wouldn't even reheat it; we would just eat it warm from the casserole. It's even better the next day if you manage to have leftovers.

Inspired by my dear friend Laurent Manrique, this is a clever play on a Caesar salad. The obvious difference is that the romaine is served quartered and broiled for the gratin effect, but it keeps its crunchiness and freshness.

Watermelon 'Pizza'

This summery treat is great for adults and kids alike! I love the combined flavors of the sweetness of the melon with the saltiness of the feta and brininess of the olives.

If you like those sensational seasonal recipes, you should also try these:

Springtime Pasta Bake