To prepare lettuce for a salad, follow these steps to ensure it's fresh, crisp, and clean:
1. Choose Fresh LettucePick lettuce that is crisp and vibrant in color, without any wilting or browning leaves.
2. Wash ThoroughlySeparate the leaves from the core or base.
Rinse each leaf under cold running water to remove dirt, grit, and pesticides.
Optionally, soak the leaves in a bowl of cold water for a few minutes, then drain.
3. Dry the LettuceUse a salad spinner to remove excess water. If you don’t have a salad spinner, pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is crucial, as dressing won’t stick to wet lettuce.
4. Tear or Cut the LeavesFor a rustic salad, tear the lettuce by hand into bite-sized pieces. Tearing is thought to preserve the lettuce better than cutting, which can cause browning at the edges.
If you prefer a neater look, use a sharp knife to cut the leaves into desired sizes. Avoid using a dull knife, as it can bruise the leaves.
5. Store (Optional)If you're prepping in advance, store the washed and dried lettuce in a sealed container or plastic bag in the fridge. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture and keep the lettuce crisp.
6. Assemble the SaladJust before serving, toss the lettuce with your favorite ingredients and salad dressing.
Recipe: Mixed Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
For the Salad:4 cups mixed lettuce (romaine, butter lettuce, arugula, or any combination)1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced or diced
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds (optional)
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss together the mixed lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add the sliced avocado, cheese, and toasted nuts if using.
- Set aside.
Make the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust the lemon or honey if you prefer it more tangy or sweet.
- Toss and Serve:Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!