Citrusy Butter Lettuce Salad with Pepita Crunch
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and refreshing Butter Lettuce Salad, enhanced by the delightful flavors of Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette. Starring tender butter lettuce, creamy avocado, crisp jicama, and luscious orange segments, this dish is not just visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. The addition of red onion adds a subtle kick, while a dash of stone-ground mustard gives it a zesty twist. Toasted pepitas introduce a satisfying crunch, making each bite a symphony of texture and flavor. Perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or as an elegant starter, this salad is a must-try for all salad enthusiasts, especially those who love Trader Joe's offerings.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter Lettuce
1 head (Washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Avocado
1 (Peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced)
Jicama
1 cup (Cut into matchsticks)
Orange
1 (Peeled and segmented (Valencia variety recommended))
Red Onion
1/4 cup (Diced small)
Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette
2 tablespoons (Store-bought or homemade)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For dressing)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Stone Ground Mustard
1 teaspoon (For extra zing)
Fresh Apple Mint Leaves
for garnish (Whole leaves)
Toasted Pepitas
2 tablespoons (Optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette. Mix 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of stone ground mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least one hour before serving.
2
Wash and dry the butter lettuce leaves, gently tearing them into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large serving bowl.
3
Peel and pit the avocado, then thinly slice it. Cut the jicama into matchsticks, and peel and segment the orange.
4
Add the avocado slices, jicama matchsticks, orange segments, and diced red onion to the bowl of butter lettuce.
5
Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring the ingredients are coated evenly.
6
Divide the salad among four plates, presenting it artfully for an inviting appearance.
7
Garnish each portion with fresh apple mint leaves and scatter toasted pepitas on top for added texture and flavor.
8
Serve immediately, passing any additional dressing on the side for those who prefer more.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main green used in the Citrusy Butter Lettuce Salad?
The main green used is one head of butter lettuce, which should be washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Is this salad recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this salad is tagged as vegan and contains plant-based ingredients like avocado, jicama, and pepitas.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
One serving of this salad contains approximately 125 calories.
What type of vinaigrette is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Orange Muscat Champagne Vinaigrette, which can be store-bought or homemade.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to let the vinaigrette mixture sit for at least one hour before serving.
How should the jicama be prepared?
The jicama should be peeled and cut into matchsticks to add a crisp texture to the salad.
What kind of orange is recommended for this dish?
The Valencia variety of orange is specifically recommended for its segments.
What adds the crunch to this butter lettuce salad?
Toasted pepitas and fresh jicama matchsticks provide a satisfying crunch to each bite.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
One teaspoon of stone ground mustard is used to give the dressing a zesty twist.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This salad contains 11.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
The salad provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of mint is used for the garnish?
Fresh apple mint leaves are used as a garnish to add flavor and visual appeal.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be diced small, using about 1/4 cup for the recipe.
What oil is mixed into the dressing?
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil is mixed with the vinaigrette and mustard.
How should the avocado be prepared for the salad?
The avocado should be peeled, pitted, and then thinly sliced.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific grocery store?
Yes, the description mentions it is a must-try for those who love Trader Joe's offerings.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
It is ideal as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or an elegant starter.
How should the salad be presented?
The instructions suggest dividing the salad among four plates and presenting it artfully.
Should the dressing be served all at once?
The salad should be tossed with dressing, but additional dressing can be passed on the side for individual preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this Citrusy Butter Lettuce Salad.
What season is this dish best suited for?
The tags suggest this is a perfect summer dish due to its fresh and vibrant ingredients.
What is the primary texture profile of the salad?
The salad offers a symphony of textures, from creamy avocado to crisp jicama and crunchy pepitas.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The butter lettuce should be washed and dried, then gently torn into bite-sized pieces.
Is the salt and pepper amount fixed?
No, salt and pepper should be added to the dressing mixture to taste.
What are the pepitas specifically?
Pepitas are pumpkin seeds; in this recipe, they are toasted to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Are the mint leaves chopped or whole?
The garnish instructions call for using whole fresh apple mint leaves.
How is the orange prepared for the salad?
The orange should be peeled and then carefully segmented.
Is there a recommended serving time?
The salad should be served immediately after tossing with the dressing and garnishing.
Does the recipe include information on fiber or sugar?
The current nutritional data provided for this recipe does not include specific values for fiber or sugar.