Butter Lettuce Salad with Radishes, Herbs and Shallot Vinaigrette
In short: Tender butter lettuce with crisp radishes, chives and dill, tossed in a sharp shallot vinaigrette. A simple 15-minute side for any meal. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 145 kcal
Soft butter lettuce, peppery radishes and a handful of fresh herbs make a salad that sits comfortably next to almost anything. The shallot vinaigrette is the key: the shallot soaks in vinegar for 10 minutes so its sharp edge mellows. The leaves are tender, so dress them gently and at the last moment. It suits a roast dinner, grilled fish or a plate of cold meats.
Instructions
- Stir the chopped shallot, vinegar, mustard, sugar and salt together in a small bowl. Leave for 10 minutes so the shallot softens and loses its harsh bite.
- Whisk in the olive oil in a slow stream until the dressing is smooth, then add a few grinds of pepper and taste. It should be clearly tangy.
- Separate the lettuce leaves, wash them and dry them thoroughly in a salad spinner or between clean towels. Tear any large leaves in half.
- Put the lettuce and radishes in a wide bowl and scatter the chives, dill and parsley over the top.
- Spoon over about two thirds of the dressing and toss with your hands, lifting the leaves rather than pressing them. Add more dressing only if needed and serve immediately.
Tips
- Dry leaves hold dressing and wet leaves repel it. Spin or pat the lettuce dry and keep it chilled until you toss.
- If butter lettuce is hard to find, use little gem or oak leaf lettuce. Thin slices of cucumber can replace the radishes.
Questions and answers
How do I keep butter lettuce from wilting?
Wash and dry the leaves, then store them in a container lined with paper towels in the fridge for up to 2 days. Dress the salad only at the last moment.
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes. The dressing keeps in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake it well and let it come to room temperature before using.
What can I use instead of shallot?
Finely chopped red onion or the white part of a spring onion both work. Soak red onion in the vinegar a few minutes longer to mellow it.
How long does it take to make Butter Lettuce Salad with Radishes, Herbs and Shallot Vinaigrette?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Butter Lettuce Salad with Radishes, Herbs and Shallot Vinaigrette?
About 145 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 145 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
