LITTLE GEMS SALAD WITH GARLICKY ALMOND DRESSING

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Little Gems 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.

There are no comments yet!