Mixed Greens Salad with Zesty Lemon-Tahini Dressing
This vibrant and refreshing Mixed Greens Salad is enhanced by a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that is both tangy and rich. The balance of flavors makes it a perfect choice for a light lunch or snack. You can double the dressing recipe, and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to six weeks if stored in an airtight container. It's a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads or as a marinade.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
leaf lettuce
4 cups (torn, preferably red leaf)
radicchio
1 cup (chopped)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
water
1/4 cup (none)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
sesame tahini
1 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
honey or sugar
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Prepare the greens by washing and drying the leaf lettuce and radicchio. Once cleaned, tear the leaf lettuce into bite-sized pieces and chop the radicchio. Combine the greens in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2
Step 2: In a blender, combine the lemon juice, water, olive oil, sesame tahini, Dijon mustard, and honey or sugar. Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and emulsified, ensuring the tahini is well incorporated.
3
Step 3: Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness with additional honey or sugar if needed. Remember, the flavor should be tangy with a hint of sweetness.
4
Step 4: Pour the desired amount of dressing over the prepared greens. You may not need all of it. Toss the salad gently to ensure even coating of the greens with the dressing.
5
Step 5: Serve the salad immediately. If you have leftover dressing, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for future use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Mixed Greens Salad?
The salad is vibrant and refreshing with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that is both tangy and rich.
Is this salad recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and either honey or sugar.
How long can I store the lemon-tahini dressing?
The dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to six weeks if stored in an airtight container.
Can the dressing be used for anything other than salad?
Yes, it is a versatile dressing that can also be used as a marinade for various dishes.
What type of lettuce is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for leaf lettuce, preferably red leaf, which should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
How should I prepare the radicchio for this salad?
The radicchio should be washed, dried, and then chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
Yes, you can use sugar as a substitute for honey if you prefer or to make it vegan-friendly.
Is this salad a good choice for lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect choice for a light lunch or a healthy snack.
Do I need to use all of the dressing on the salad?
No, you should pour the desired amount over the greens; you may not need the entire batch for one salad.
What equipment do I need to make the dressing?
A blender is required to combine the ingredients on high speed until they are smooth and emulsified.
How should I store leftover dressing?
Leftover dressing should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I double the dressing recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, which is convenient since it lasts for up to six weeks in the fridge.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
You will need lemon juice, water, olive oil, sesame tahini, Dijon mustard, and honey or sugar.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to wash and dry the leaf lettuce and radicchio, then tear or chop them.
How do I ensure the tahini is well incorporated?
Blending the dressing ingredients on high speed ensures the tahini is fully emulsified and smooth.
How do I adjust the flavor of the dressing?
After blending, taste the dressing and add additional honey or sugar if you want to balance the tanginess.
When should I serve the salad?
The salad should be served immediately after tossing the greens with the dressing.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a fast meal or snack.
What role does water play in the dressing recipe?
Water is used to help thin the dressing and achieve the correct consistency during the blending process.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish and features fresh greens and a homemade dressing.
Can I use this recipe for a summer gathering?
Yes, it is categorized as a summer salad due to its refreshing and vibrant nature.
What kind of tahini should I use?
The recipe specifies using sesame tahini for the best flavor and richness.
How do I coat the greens evenly?
Toss the salad gently after pouring the dressing to ensure every piece is coated.
What provides the 'zesty' kick in the dressing?
The combination of 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard provides the zesty, tangy flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is the dressing very sweet?
No, the dressing is primarily tangy with just a hint of sweetness from a half-teaspoon of honey or sugar.
Can I use this dressing on other types of salads?
Yes, it is a versatile dressing that pairs well with many different types of salad greens.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total for both the salad and the dressing.
Should the greens be dry before adding the dressing?
Yes, it is important to wash and dry the greens thoroughly so the dressing adheres properly.