Rustic Basque Green Salad
Inspired by the traditional Basque dining experience in Elko, Nevada, this Rustic Basque Green Salad marries simplicity with bold flavors. Featuring a creamy garlic dressing made from scratch, this salad serves as a delightful appetizer, perfect for sharing in a family-style setting. The dressing combines the sharpness of apple cider vinegar with the richness of mayonnaise and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. While head lettuce is the classic choice in Basque houses, feel free to experiment with your favorite salad greens to bring a personal touch. This dish is an excellent complement to hearty mains like roasted chicken or steak, ensuring a colorful and appetizing start to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (measured)
Garlic Cloves
2 (crushed)
Apple Cider Vinegar
3 tablespoons (measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Garlic Powder
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (measured)
Hard-Boiled Egg
1 (finely chopped)
Salad Greens
to taste (washed and dried)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and mayonnaise. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Fold in the finely chopped hard-boiled egg gently to incorporate without breaking it down too much.
3
Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When you're ready to serve, place your chosen salad greens in a large bowl or platter.
5
Drizzle a small amount of the garlic dressing over the greens and toss gently until evenly coated. Remember to add more dressing to taste, as this is a robust and flavorful dressing that can be adjusted to your preference.
6
Serve immediately to prevent the greens from wilting.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Basque Green Salad?
Rustic Basque Green Salad is a simple yet flavorful appetizer inspired by traditional Basque-style family dining in Elko, Nevada, featuring a creamy homemade garlic dressing.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, crushed garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, and mayonnaise, with finely chopped hard-boiled egg folded in.
What type of salad greens are best for this recipe?
While head lettuce is the traditional choice in Basque houses, you can use any variety of salad greens such as romaine, spring mix, or butter lettuce.
How long should the dressing be refrigerated?
The dressing should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the garlic and vinegar flavors to properly meld.
Is the hard-boiled egg essential to the salad?
The hard-boiled egg is a key component that adds richness and texture to the dressing, though it can be omitted if you have an allergy or preference.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and the greens ahead of time, but you should only toss them together immediately before serving to prevent the leaves from wilting.
Is this Basque salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is considered healthy as it features fresh greens and a homemade dressing with heart-healthy olive oil and garlic.
What does the dressing taste like?
The dressing is creamy and robust, characterized by the sharpness of apple cider vinegar and the aromatic punch of fresh crushed garlic.
What main dishes go well with this salad?
It is an excellent complement to hearty mains such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or traditional lamb dishes.
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the specific tang of apple cider vinegar is part of the traditional profile.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic to be crushed and a 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to ensure a deep, multi-layered garlic flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, provided the mayonnaise used is vegetarian.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the greens, vinegar, and mayonnaise, are naturally gluten-free.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the exact serving count depends on the amount of greens used, the dressing quantity is typically sufficient for a family-style platter of 4 to 6 people.
Can I use bottled garlic instead of fresh?
Freshly crushed garlic is recommended for the most authentic and pungent flavor, but bottled minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
What is the serving style for this dish?
It is intended to be served family-style in a large bowl or platter where guests can help themselves.
How do I incorporate the egg into the dressing?
The hard-boiled egg should be finely chopped and then gently folded into the whisked dressing so it stays intact without becoming mushy.
Can I make the dressing vegan?
To make the dressing vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and omit the hard-boiled egg.
What is the origin of this salad's inspiration?
The recipe is inspired by the Basque-American boarding houses and restaurants located in Elko, Nevada.
Why should I add the dressing gradually?
The garlic dressing is very robust and flavorful; adding it gradually allows you to adjust the intensity to your personal preference without overpowering the greens.
How should the salad greens be prepared?
The greens should be thoroughly washed and dried to ensure the dressing adheres properly to the leaves.
Does this dressing contain dairy?
No, this dressing is dairy-free as it uses mayonnaise, which is made from oil and eggs, rather than cream or milk.
Can I store leftover dressing?
Yes, any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers?
While the rustic version focuses on greens, you can certainly add other fresh vegetables to customize the salad.
What makes the dressing creamy?
The combination of mayonnaise and olive oil, when whisked with the vinegar, creates a smooth, creamy emulsion.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 8 ingredients and a simple whisk-and-toss method, it is a very beginner-friendly recipe.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
The recipe uses both; however, the fresh garlic is vital for the 'rustic' bite that defines this Basque salad.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, the salad is best served with chilled greens and cold dressing for maximum refreshment.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: olive oil, garlic cloves, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, hard-boiled egg, and salad greens.
Can I use a blender for the dressing?
You can use a blender for the base, but do not blend the chopped egg; fold the egg in by hand at the end to maintain texture.