Best 4 Little Gem Salad With Buttermilk Dressing Fresh Herbs Recipes

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In a world of culinary delights, the Little Gem Salad with Buttermilk Dressing and Fresh Herbs stands out as a symphony of flavors and textures. This vibrant salad combines crisp Little Gem lettuces with a refreshing buttermilk dressing, creating a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess.

The buttermilk dressing, a key component of this dish, is a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and an array of fresh herbs, including chives, dill, and parsley. This dressing adds a luscious richness to the salad, while the herbs infuse it with an aromatic freshness.

To complement the lettuces and dressing, the salad is adorned with a variety of toppings, including crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and cherry tomatoes. These additions provide a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor, making each bite a unique experience.

In addition to the main recipe, the article presents a collection of variations that cater to diverse preferences. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the bacon and eggs can be omitted, and the salad can be topped with roasted chickpeas or crumbled tofu instead.

For those seeking a gluten-free alternative, the croutons can be replaced with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds. And for those who desire a spicy kick, a dash of cayenne pepper or a dollop of sriracha can be added to the dressing.

With its versatility and customizable nature, the Little Gem Salad with Buttermilk Dressing and Fresh Herbs is a culinary journey that promises to satisfy every palate.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

BUTTERMILK-HERB DRESSING



Buttermilk-Herb Dressing image

This tangy dressing loaded with fresh herbs brings any salad to life.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 5m

Yield about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh leafy herbs (parsley, chives, basil and/or dill)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup buttermilk

Steps:

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, herbs and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk and a couple turns of freshly ground black pepper until blended.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK CHAAS



Little Gem Salad with Buttermilk Chaas image

Chaas is an Indian buttermilk beverage seasoned with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chiles. Drizzle it over a mix of greens and you've got yourself a creamy salad dressing.

Provided by Tailor, Nashville, TN

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
5 dried chiles de árbol, lightly crushed, seeds removed if desired
4 curry leaves
1 tsp. cumin seeds
½ tsp. brown mustard seeds
Kosher salt
1 bunch red and/or French Breakfast radishes, trimmed, thinly sliced
3 heads of Little Gem lettuce, torn crosswise into 2"-wide strips
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh English peas, sugar snap peas, and/or 1½"-long pieces green and/or wax beans
1 sprig mint, leaves torn
2 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro
Kosher salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Pour buttermilk into a measuring glass or small bowl. Heat oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Add chiles, curry leaves, cumin seeds, and brown mustard seeds one at a time, pausing for a second between each addition and swirling pan. Cook until spices are toasted and curry leaves sizzle and pop, about 10 seconds (take care as oil will splatter!). Quickly pour spice oil into buttermilk; stir to combine. Taste chaas dressing and season with salt.
  • Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
  • Soak radishes in a bowl of ice water until they curl, about 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  • Toss half of the radishes in a large bowl with lettuce, cucumber, peas, mint, and cilantro. Drizzle in dressing; toss to coat. Taste salad and season with salt if needed. Top with remaining radishes.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK DRESSING & FRESH HERBS



Little Gem Salad with Buttermilk Dressing & Fresh Herbs image

Number Of Ingredients 8

5 heads Bibb or Butter Lettuce, torn into small pieces
2 hearts Romaine, chopped
1 cup Buttermilk Dressing (recipe separate)
1/3 cup Pickled Shallots (recipe separate)
1/4 cup Chopped Chervil, Chives, Dill & Parsley
2 tablespoons Chopped Chervil, Chives, Dill & Parsley
3 tablespoons Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs
1 pinch Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss all the ingredients until the salad is evenly coated in dressing. (Note that total of each herb is 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons.)

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH GARLICKY ALMOND DRESSING



Little Gem Salad With Garlicky Almond Dressing image

This tart, garlicky dressing is made with toasted almonds and sherry vinegar for a simple but delicious green salad. Little Gem lettuce, a cross between romaine and butter lettuce, has become justly popular for a crunchy salad. Crisp and bright green with small crinkly leaves, it won't immediately wilt when dressed. If unavailable, look for similar small sturdy heads of lettuce or choose hearts of romaine.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     salads and dressings, vegetables, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 to 6 heads of Little Gem lettuce (more, if very small)
1/4 cup crushed toasted almonds (See Tip)
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Remove wilted exterior leaves from each head of lettuce. Cut stems from the lettuce heads, separate leaves and swish in a large basin of cold water, letting any sand or dirt sink to the bottom. Lift the leaves from the water and transfer to a colander. Shake away excess water. Wrap in kitchen towels to dry or use a salad spinner.
  • Make the dressing: Put almonds, vinegar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Put leaves in a wide salad bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Dress lightly just before serving, using 2 or 3 tablespoons of dressing and coating leaves well. Taste and add more dressing as necessary. Store any remaining dressing in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, crisp Little Gem lettuces: Look for lettuces that are deep green in color and have tightly packed leaves.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the lettuces: This will help to prevent them from tearing.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way.
  • Add the herbs and nuts just before serving: This will help to keep them from wilting.
  • Serve the salad immediately: Little Gem salads are best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion:

Little Gem salads are a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy this unique lettuce. With its slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture, Little Gem lettuce is a perfect complement to a variety of dressings and toppings. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a simple side dish, a Little Gem salad is sure to please. So next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a head of Little Gem lettuce and give this recipe a try.

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