Fennel and Herb Butter Lettuce Salad
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Fennel and Herb Butter Lettuce Salad. This light and refreshing dish combines crunchy fennel, tender butter lettuce, and aromatic fresh herbs, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The zesty lemon and Dijon mustard vinaigrette adds a perfect tangy kick, making it a wonderful complement to any meal. Plus, it can be prepared in advance by storing the components separately, so you can quickly assemble and serve it just before enjoying. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful weekday side, this salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, showcasing the beautiful greens and herbs. Adapted from a website that focuses on simplifying your culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
69
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fennel bulb
1 large (halved, cored, and very thinly sliced)
butter or Boston lettuce
3 heads (torn into pieces)
fresh tarragon leaves
1/4 cup (torn into pieces)
scallions
4 (chopped (white and green parts))
fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons (none)
kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
extra virgin olive oil
7 tablespoons (none)
pecorino romano cheese
to taste (shaved (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced fennel, torn butter lettuce, fresh tarragon leaves, and chopped scallions. Gently toss to mix and set aside.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3
Continuing to whisk, gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Once the vinaigrette is smooth and cohesive, pour it over the salad mixture.
4
Toss the salad gently until all the greens and herbs are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. If desired, add shaved pecorino romano cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
5
Serve immediately, enjoying the fresh, zesty flavors of this beautiful salad.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
3.38g
Carbs
1.13g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fennel and Herb Butter Lettuce Salad?
It is a vibrant, light, and refreshing salad that combines crunchy fennel, tender butter lettuce, and aromatic fresh herbs with a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 3 heads of butter or Boston lettuce for their tender texture.
How should the fennel be prepared?
The fennel bulb should be halved, cored, and very thinly sliced before being added to the salad.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe features fresh tarragon leaves and chopped scallions, including both white and green parts.
What are the ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, the base salad is vegan. To keep it vegan, simply omit the optional pecorino romano cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
One serving of this salad contains approximately 69 calories.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in the salad?
The salad contains 1.13 grams of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
This salad provides 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 3.38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What cheese is recommended as an optional topping?
Shaved pecorino romano cheese is suggested as an optional topping to add an extra layer of flavor.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 chopped scallions.
How much lemon juice is used in the dressing?
The vinaigrette uses 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
How much olive oil is required for the recipe?
The recipe uses 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is the lettuce chopped or torn?
The butter lettuce should be torn into pieces rather than chopped.
How do you emulsify the dressing?
Whisk the lemon juice, mustard, and seasonings together, then gradually pour in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Is this salad suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is excellent for picnics as long as the dressing is kept separate until serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What is the preparation for the tarragon?
The fresh tarragon leaves should be torn into pieces.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients, including the optional cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is categorized under easy recipes and focuses on simplifying the culinary experience.
What does the fennel add to the salad?
The fennel adds a delightful crunch and a distinct, aromatic flavor to the mix of greens.
Is this a gluten-free salad?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
How should the salad be tossed?
Toss the salad gently to ensure all greens and herbs are evenly coated without bruising the tender butter lettuce.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as salad, vegan, butter lettuce, fennel, herbs, healthy, and make-ahead.
Can I use black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in the vinaigrette.
How many servings does the recipe make?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the use of 3 heads of lettuce and a large fennel bulb typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side.