While it may not have a butter flavor, butter lettuce has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with typical romaine. Butter Lettuce Salad lets the delectably mellow and slightly sweet veggie take center stage, with crunchy homemade croutons, creamy goat cheese, and zesty radishes in supporting roles. Butter Lettuce Salad also dresses to impress with a tangy, citrus-bright, and garlicky sauce that only adds to the refreshment and excitement. If you’re not careful, this salad will steal the whole show from the rest of your meal!
Ingredients
For the lemon dijon dressing:
- 1/2 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 large clove of garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup olive oil
For the salad:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 cups Italian bread, chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 heads of butter lettuce, torn into pieces
- 1/3 cup pepita seeds
- 7 radishes, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces of goat cheese
Directions
Step 1 –Add the lemon juice, honey, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and garlic to a medium bowl, whisking to combine.
Step 2 –Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil until emulsified.
Step 3 –Season the dressing to taste and set aside.
Step 4 –Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 5 –Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the melted butter to a large bowl.
Step 6 –Add the cubed bread and mix until evenly coated.
Step 7 –Sprinkle the soaked bread cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, mixing to evenly combine.
Step 8 –Spread the croutons on a large rimmed baking sheet.
Step 9 –Bake until golden brown, tossing halfway through cooking, about 15-18 minutes.
Step 10 –Let the croutons cool completely.
Step 11 –Place the lettuce in the same bowl you used to toss the croutons.
Step 12 –Add 1/4 cup of the prepared dressing, tossing to combine.
Step 13 –Season the lettuce with salt and pepper.
Step 14 –Add in the pepita seeds, radishes, goat cheese, and croutons, and toss lightly.
Step 15 –Drizzle with the remaining dressing to taste.
Step 16 –Season to taste and serve.