Description
Create a vibrant artisan lettuce salad with fresh greens, vegetables, nuts, and a light dressing. Perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
- 1 head of artisan lettuce (or a mix of varieties like baby romaine, red leaf, and green oak)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Begin by rinsing the artisan lettuce under cold water. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the leaves. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Vegetables: Layer the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion over the lettuce. These vegetables add color, texture, and flavor to your salad.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Add the toasted nuts for a crunchy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Add the Dried Fruits: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a hint of sweetness that contrasts with the savory elements of the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Use salad tongs to gently toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the salad with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of your artisan lettuce salad.
Notes
- Mixing Lettuce Varieties: For added depth of flavor and texture, mix different types of artisan lettuce, such as baby romaine, red oak, and green butterhead. This combination creates a visually appealing salad with a variety of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill can elevate the flavor of your salad. Chop them finely and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving.
- Homemade Croutons: For extra crunch, consider making homemade croutons using day-old bread. Toss the bread cubes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Dress Lightly: Less is often more when it comes to dressing an artisan lettuce salad. Start with a small amount of dressing and toss the salad gently to coat the leaves evenly. You can always add more if needed.
- Seasoning the Salad: Don’t forget to season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper before serving. This simple step enhances the flavors of the ingredients and brings the salad to life.