Spring Lettuce Recipes
Skip the mesclun in the grocery store aisle and instead celebrate the newly sprouted baby lettuces, buttery leaves of bibb, and fresh herbs that begin to appear at local farmers' markets in the spring. Pair these versatile greens with everything from goose confit and figs to fresh peas and green garlic.
Sicilian Fennel Salad with Oranges, Arugula, and Black Olives
In Sicily, this salad is traditionally prepared with wild chicory, a slightly peppery, tender-leafed green. Substitute with arugula if you can’t find wild chicory. See the recipe for Sicilian Fennel Salad with Oranges, Arugula, and Black Olives »
Lobster Ceviche with Limestone Lettuce
This recipe, which came from noted chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is typical of the cross-cultural innovations that made him such a success. Get the recipe for Lobster Ceviche with Limestone Lettuce »
Crunchy Spring Salad
This recipe comes from Margo True’s piece ¿The Accidental Pioneer” (April 2005) about Laura Chenel, the pioneering cheese maker who created American chevre. Chenel advised us to use the juice of Meyer lemons–in season from winter through late spring–to dress this salad. See the recipe for Crunchy Spring Salad »
Blanched Peas with Lettuce
Leaves of baby bibb lettuce become nests for single servings of barely cooked fresh green peas, making for a light and simple side dish.
Watercress Salad with Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing was originally sold by its inventor, Steve Henson, as a seasoning packet that contained, among other ingredients, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, black pepper, and dried parsley; all cooks had to do was add mayonnaise and buttermilk. Our version uses fresh herbs, but fresh garlic and onion won’t do: only the dried powders produce this dressing’s characteristic flavor. See the recipe for Watercress Salad with Ranch Dressing»
Salade Lyonnaise
Hailing from Lyon, this French bistro standard gathers a delectable trio of bitter frisée, runny poached egg, and crisp lardons. Get the recipe for Salade Lyonnaise »
Goose Confit and Fig Salad
For this luxurious salad, top spicy arugula with a rich confit of braised goose leg and fresh black mission figs.
Kohlrabi and Watercress Salad
For a twist on the classic Waldorf salad, try tossing sweet apples with crisp watercress and nutty kohlrabi in a sumac-infused yogurt dressing.
Butter Lettuce Salad with Pistachios and Orange Crème Fraîche Dressing
Butter Lettuce Salad with Pistachios and Orange Crème Fraîche Dressing
Creamy Watercress Dip
Creamy cottage cheese combines with watercress, lemon, chive, and parsley to make this bright dip for raw vegetables.
Toast with Roasted Beet Dip, Smoked Salmon, and Watercress
Roasting beets and puréeing them with a little balsamic vinegar makes a sweet, earthy spread that’s a perfect base for slices of smoked salmon and peppery watercress.
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