Savory Bibb Salad with Tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Elevate your summer dining experience with this delightful Savory Bibb Salad, featuring crisp Bibb lettuce, creamy Maytag blue cheese, and sweet strawberries, all accentuated by a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. This signature salad is a staple at Kentucky Derby celebrations, offering a refreshing contrast to hot weather. With the added crunch of candied pecans and homemade cinnamon raisin croutons, this dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with layered flavors and textures. Perfect as a light entrée or a side dish, this salad brings a touch of Southern elegance to any table.
2
Servings
600
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bibb lettuce
2 heads (Remove roots and cut into quarters)
Maytag blue cheese
1/4 lb (Crumble into bite-sized pieces)
Strawberries
1/8 cup (Sliced)
Pecan halves
1-2 cups (For candied pecans)
Powdered sugar
3 tablespoons (For candied pecans)
Warm water
1 teaspoon (For candied pecans)
Apple cider vinegar
1 cup (For vinaigrette)
Garlic
1/2 tablespoon (Minced)
Dry oregano leaves
1 tablespoon (For vinaigrette)
Dry basil leaves
1/2 tablespoon (For vinaigrette)
Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon (For vinaigrette)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (For vinaigrette)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (For vinaigrette)
Olive oil
1 cup (For vinaigrette)
Cinnamon raisin bread
1 loaf (For croutons)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted for croutons)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Candied Pecans: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and warm water. Spread pecans on parchment paper and drizzle with the powdered sugar mixture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool.
2
Make the Apple Cider Vinaigrette: In a large mixing bowl, combine apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dry oregano, dry basil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until well emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss the quartered Bibb lettuce with a generous amount of the apple cider vinaigrette. Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese, candied pecans, and sliced strawberries.
4
Prepare Cinnamon Raisin Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the cinnamon raisin bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the bread cubes in melted butter until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and crunchy.
5
Serve: Plate the salad mixture on serving plates and top with the crunch cinnamon raisin croutons for added texture. Enjoy your refreshing salad!
Nutrition Information
50g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Bibb Salad?
The Savory Bibb Salad is a signature summer dish featuring Bibb lettuce, Maytag blue cheese, strawberries, candied pecans, and cinnamon raisin croutons, often served at Kentucky Derby celebrations.
What are the main ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include Bibb lettuce, Maytag blue cheese, strawberries, pecan halves, cinnamon raisin bread, and a homemade apple cider vinaigrette.
How do you make the Tangy Apple Cider Vinaigrette?
Combine apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dry oregano, dry basil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt, then gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
What is the preparation for the candied pecans?
Drizzle pecans with a mixture of powdered sugar and warm water, then bake at 275°F (135°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
How are the cinnamon raisin croutons prepared?
Cut cinnamon raisin bread into 1/2-inch cubes, toss in melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until crunchy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 50g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of the Savory Bibb Salad?
The salad contains 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
Bibb lettuce is specifically called for, prepared by removing the roots and cutting the heads into quarters.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of Maytag blue cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces.
At what temperature should the pecans be baked?
The candied pecans should be baked at 275°F (135°C).
At what temperature should the croutons be baked?
The cinnamon raisin croutons should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
What seasonings are used in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is seasoned with minced garlic, dry oregano, dry basil, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and kosher salt.
How much olive oil is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 cup of olive oil for the vinaigrette.
How much apple cider vinegar is used?
One cup of apple cider vinegar is needed for the dressing base.
How long does it take to make the croutons?
The croutons take approximately 10 minutes to bake once tossed in butter.
Is this salad considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under recipes that take less than 60 minutes to prepare.
What makes this salad suitable for the Kentucky Derby?
Its refreshing contrast to hot weather and Southern elegance make it a staple for Kentucky Derby celebrations.
How should the Bibb lettuce be prepared?
The roots should be removed and the heads should be cut into quarters before tossing with the dressing.
What kind of bread is used for the croutons?
A full loaf of cinnamon raisin bread is used to create the signature sweet and savory croutons.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the vinaigrette?
Yes, after emulsifying the oil and vinegar, you should adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from both the homemade candied pecans and the baked cinnamon raisin croutons.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this salad and its components.
How much butter is used for the croutons?
1/2 cup of melted butter is used to coat the bread cubes.
What is the amount of strawberries needed?
The recipe calls for 1/8 cup of sliced strawberries.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic is included in the vinaigrette.
How are the ingredients combined during assembly?
Toss the lettuce with the vinaigrette first, then gently fold in the cheese, pecans, and strawberries.
When should the croutons be added?
The croutons should be placed on top of the plated salad mixture just before serving to maintain their texture.