Butter Lettuce Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Butter Lettuce Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any meal. Crisp cucumbers and radishes pair beautifully with tender butter lettuce and a tangy, flavorful dressing. Finished with parmesan crisps, it’s a simple salad that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 head butter lettuce (washed, patted dry, and torn)
• 3 small cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 4 radishes (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup parmesan crisps (or substitute with shaved parmesan)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 3 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
• Sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the lemon chive dressing by combining the olive oil, dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped chives, and sea salt in a small jar with a lid. Shake well until fully emulsified.
2. Step 2: Wash the butter lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them on a large serving platter or bowl.
3. Step 3: Using a mandolin, thinly slice the radishes and place them in a bowl of cold water to keep crisp until ready to use.
4. Step 4: Thinly slice the cucumbers with the mandolin and arrange them in clusters over the butter lettuce on the platter.
5. Step 5: Drain the radishes and dry them well, then add them in clusters on the platter alongside the cucumbers.
6. Step 6: Scatter parmesan crisps or shaved parmesan over the salad, drizzle generously with the lemon chive dressing, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts as a topping.
• Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
• If you don’t have a mandolin, a sharp knife can be used to slice vegetables thinly, though it may take more time.
• Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the dressing for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled and shake well before using again. Avoid tossing the salad until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute butter lettuce with romaine, green leaf, or even baby spinach, though the delicate texture of butter lettuce complements the dressing best.

How can I make the dressing creamy?

To make the lemon chive dressing creamy, whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the mixture before shaking.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fresh and vibrant Butter Lettuce Salad served with a zesty Lemon Chive Dressing, complemented by crisp cucumbers, radishes, and Parmesan crisps for a delightful texture contrast. This simple yet elegant salad makes a perfect light meal or side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 1 head butter lettuce (washed, patted dry, and torn)
• 3 small cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 4 radishes (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup parmesan crisps (or substitute with shaved parmesan)

Lemon Chive Dressing

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• 3 tbsp chives (finely chopped)
• sea salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Lemon Chive Dressing: Add the extra virgin olive oil, dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped chives, and a pinch of sea salt into a small jar with a lid. Secure the lid tightly and shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified.
2. Prepare Butter Lettuce: Wash the butter lettuce thoroughly and dry it completely using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them on a large serving platter or in a bowl.
3. Slice Radishes: Using a mandolin, thinly slice the radishes. Immediately place the slices into a bowl of cold water and let them soak until ready to use. This helps keep them crisp.
4. Slice Cucumbers: Use a mandolin to thinly slice the cucumbers and set them aside.
5. Arrange Vegetables: Drain the radishes thoroughly and dry them using a clean towel. Arrange the cucumber slices in clusters over the bed of lettuce on the platter, followed by the radish slices in separate clusters to create an attractive presentation.
6. Add Parmesan and Dress: Top the salad evenly with parmesan crisps or shaved parmesan. Drizzle the prepared lemon chive dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Notes

• Using a mandolin for slicing ensures uniform thin slices, giving a professional look and texture.
• If parmesan crisps are not available, shaved parmesan adds a similar savory element.
• Soaking radishes in cold water enhances their crunchiness.
• Dressing should be added right before serving to avoid sogginess.
• This salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butter Lettuce Salad, Lemon Chive Dressing, Parmesan Crisps, Healthy Salad, Easy Salad Recipe