Refreshing Boston Lettuce Salad with Zesty Orange Shallot Dressing
This delightful Boston Lettuce Salad combines crisp greens with vibrant, colorful toppings for a refreshing dining experience. The creamy orange shallot dressing adds a zesty finish, making it perfect as an appetizer or a light meal. Boston lettuce is tender yet sturdy, allowing it to hold up beautifully against the toppings of nutrient-rich grated carrots and sweet grape tomatoes. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Prepare the dressing in advance to allow the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish!
N/A
Servings
63
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Orange juice
1/4 cup (none)
Shallots
2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Boston lettuce
1 large head (5 cups) (torn into bite-size pieces)
Carrot
1 cup (1 carrot) (grated)
Grape tomatoes
1 cup (rinsed and cut in half)
Fresh tarragon or chives
2 tablespoons (snipped (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the reduced-fat mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
2
Gradually add the orange juice to the mayonnaise mixture, whisking constantly until the dressing is creamy and free of lumps.
3
Mix in the finely chopped shallots, and season with fresh ground pepper to taste. For the best flavor, cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably several hours or overnight.
4
To assemble the salad, tear the large head of Boston lettuce into bite-sized pieces and divide it evenly among four plates.
5
Evenly scatter the grated carrot and halved grape tomatoes over the lettuce on each plate.
6
Drizzle a generous portion of the creamy orange shallot dressing over each salad, ensuring an even coat.
7
Finally, sprinkle the salads with snipped fresh tarragon or chives, if using, for an added touch of color and flavor.
8
Serve immediately, and enjoy this refreshing salad as a vibrant addition to any meal!
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary lettuce used in this salad?
The recipe uses one large head of Boston lettuce, which is approximately 5 cups when torn.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving of the Refreshing Boston Lettuce Salad contains 63 calories.
What are the ingredients for the zesty dressing?
The dressing consists of reduced-fat mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, orange juice, finely chopped shallots, and fresh ground pepper.
How much fat is in this recipe per serving?
There are 3.75 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this salad?
Each serving contains 6.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does one serving provide?
One serving of this salad provides 1.25 grams of protein.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallots should be finely chopped before being added to the dressing.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least one hour, though several hours or overnight is preferred for the best flavor.
How are the carrots prepared for this salad?
The carrots should be grated before being scattered over the lettuce.
What type of tomatoes are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of grape tomatoes, rinsed and cut in half.
What herbs can be used as a garnish?
You can use two tablespoons of snipped fresh tarragon or chives as an optional garnish.
How much orange juice is required for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of orange juice.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is preparing the dressing by whisking together the reduced-fat mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Is Boston lettuce suitable for this type of dressing?
Yes, Boston lettuce is described as tender yet sturdy, allowing it to hold up well against the creamy dressing and toppings.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be divided evenly among four plates, making four servings.
Does this salad contain any fiber information?
The provided nutrition data does not specify the fiber content for this recipe.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the salad immediately after assembly.
What makes the dressing creamy?
The combination of reduced-fat mayonnaise and orange juice creates a creamy consistency.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 total ingredients including the optional herbs.
Is this salad considered a light meal?
Yes, it is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.
What is the purpose of chilling the dressing?
Chilling allows the flavors of the shallots, mustard, and orange juice to meld together.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The large head of Boston lettuce should be torn into bite-sized pieces.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, boston lettuce, healthy eating, light meal, and quick recipe.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of reduced-fat?
While the recipe specifies reduced-fat mayonnaise for lower calories, regular mayonnaise can be substituted if preferred.
What size should the carrot be?
The recipe suggests using one cup of grated carrot, which is roughly equivalent to one large carrot.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
The recipe focuses on fresh ground pepper for seasoning and does not explicitly list salt.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in the dressing?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of orange juice, Dijon mustard, and shallots.
What is the total preparation time mentioned?
While total time isn't specified, the dressing requires at least 1 hour of refrigeration.
Is this recipe categorized by any specific cuisine?
The recipe category is left blank, but it is described as a refreshing salad with a zesty citrus-based dressing.