Bibb Lettuce Salad with Basil-Infused Green Goddess Dressing
A modern take on a classic dressing, this Bibb Lettuce Salad with Basil-Infused Green Goddess Dressing offers a delightful burst of herbal flavor and creamy goodness. Originally crafted in San Francisco's iconic Palace Hotel as a tribute to the play The Green Goddess, this version swaps out tarragon for basil, enhancing the dressing's vibrancy and freshness. Perfectly complemented by crisp Bibb lettuce and juicy tomatoes, this salad is not only a treat for the eyes with its vivid colors but also a feast for the palate. Whether served as a standalone salad or alongside vegetables like asparagus and broccoli, this dish shines in any setting. Inspired by the Barefoot Contessa at Home cookbook, it's an elegant blend of the past and present.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1 cup (good quality, such as Hellman's)
Scallions
1 cup (chopped, including white and green parts)
Basil Leaves
1 cup (fresh, chopped)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (fresh, about 2 lemons)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced, about 2 cloves)
Anchovy Paste
2 teaspoons (optional)
Kosher Salt
2 teaspoons
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Light Sour Cream
1 cup
Bibb Lettuce
3 heads (cut into quarters)
Tomatoes
2-3 (cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Green Goddess dressing. In a blender, combine 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise with 1 cup of chopped scallions, making sure to include both the white and green parts of about 6-7 scallions.
2
Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice—squeezed from about 2 lemons—2 teaspoons of minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons of anchovy paste if desired.
3
Season the mixture with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
4
Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Then, add 1 cup of light sour cream and blend again briefly until everything is just incorporated.
5
If not serving immediately, chill the dressing in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.
6
To prepare the salad, cut each head of bibb lettuce into quarters, removing some of the core if necessary. Arrange the lettuce on six individual salad plates.
7
Cut 2-3 ripe tomatoes into wedges and distribute them evenly among the plates, placing them alongside the lettuce.
8
Drizzle the prepared basil-infused Green Goddess dressing generously over the salad.
9
Serve immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy dressing in every bite.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bibb Lettuce Salad with Basil-Infused Green Goddess Dressing?
This is a modern take on the classic Green Goddess salad, featuring fresh Bibb lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing infused with fresh basil and scallions.
Where did Green Goddess dressing originate?
The dressing was originally created at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco as a tribute to the play 'The Green Goddess'.
How does this version differ from the traditional Green Goddess dressing?
While traditional recipes often use tarragon, this version swaps it for fresh basil to enhance vibrancy and freshness.
Who inspired this specific recipe variation?
This recipe is inspired by the 'Barefoot Contessa at Home' cookbook.
What are the primary ingredients for the basil-infused dressing?
The dressing includes mayonnaise, scallions, fresh basil, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, and light sour cream.
Is anchovy paste required for the dressing?
No, the anchovy paste is optional and can be omitted based on your preference.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is highly recommended for this recipe to achieve the intended herbal flavor and bright green color.
What kind of mayonnaise is recommended?
A good quality mayonnaise, such as Hellman's, is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How many scallions do I need for the dressing?
You will need about 6 to 7 scallions to make 1 cup of chopped scallions.
How much lemon juice is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, which is typically squeezed from about 2 lemons.
How do I prepare the Bibb lettuce for the salad?
The lettuce should be cut into quarters, and you should remove some of the core if necessary before arranging it on plates.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Cut 2 to 3 ripe tomatoes into wedges and distribute them evenly among the salad plates.
What is the recommended way to serve this salad?
Arrange the lettuce quarters and tomato wedges on plates, drizzle generously with the dressing, and serve immediately.
Can I use this dressing for other dishes?
Yes, this dressing works beautifully with other vegetables like steamed asparagus or broccoli.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is the dressing blended all at once?
The main ingredients are blended until smooth first, then the sour cream is added and blended briefly until just incorporated.
Should I chill the dressing before serving?
If you are not serving it immediately, it is best to chill the dressing in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs, it is a fresh and nutritious salad option.
What gives the dressing its green color?
The vibrant green color comes from the large amount of fresh basil leaves and green parts of the scallions.
Can I substitute the light sour cream?
Yes, you can use regular sour cream or even Greek yogurt if you prefer a different tang or consistency.
How do I store any leftover dressing?
Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and the vegetables ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What texture should the dressing have?
The dressing should be smooth and creamy.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor will work well to combine the ingredients and chop the herbs finely.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It is vegetarian if you omit the optional anchovy paste.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Kosher salt is specified for this recipe for its clean taste and texture.
How many heads of Bibb lettuce are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 heads of Bibb lettuce.
Are the white parts of the scallions used?
Yes, both the white and green parts of the scallions should be chopped and included in the dressing.
How much garlic is needed?
You need 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, which is approximately 2 cloves.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
While excellent as is, you could add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.