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The title of this post just doesn’t cover it. I know it’s good to be brief, but what I really want to call this is Butter Lettuce Salad with Creamy Meyer Lemon Dressing, Hazelnuts, Pecorino and Mint. But, wait – there are chives too! Never mind.
With so many flavors and textures every bite can be different. And in this particular combination, no one flavor overtakes the whole. The Meyer lemon and sour cream make a light, silky dressing. The pecorino is salty and buttery; the mint and carrots are fresh and sweet; the butter lettuce and hazelnuts add crunch.
This is the kind of salad that can be a meal in itself – especially if you pair it with some crusty bread and a glass of wine or prosecco, which I highly recommend. For a heartier meal, pair it with anything you’re grilling: Chicken Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Thighs, Grilled Lamb Chops or Lamb Kabobs, Spicy Grilled Shrimp, and Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are all good options.
More Must Try Salads
Butter Lettuce Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- juice of one small Meyer lemon
- 1 ounce finely shredded Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced chives
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad:
- 5 ounces butter lettuce leaves washed, dried and torn into bite size pieces
- 1 carrot shaved into thin ribbons
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces toasted hazelnuts coarsely chopped
- several shavings Pecorino Romano cheese
Instructions
- To make the dressing, whisk together sour cream, lemon juice, cheese and chives. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour into the bottom of a large salad bowl. Add butter lettuce leaves and toss until leaves are coated with dressing.
- Transfer dressed lettuce to serving platter. Top with remaining ingredients and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A perfect title for such a lovely salad! I never want to leave anything out either, lol. This salad is right up my alley with all the different flavors and textures going on…I love the nutty crunch of hazelnut here!
I’m with you, Faith! Oregon (where I live) is known for hazelnuts which makes me pretty happy because they’re a favorite of mine and I always feel like I’m getting the extra fresh.
Oh man! Check out this salad! It’s like something you’d get from a fancy restaurant. You’ve inspired me to get some butter lettuce, I always by pass it at the grocery store. (And I really love the pic!)
PS I totally agree this is the type of salad that could be a meal 🙂
Thank you, Nagi! And butter lettuce is the best! It has a light texture and a delicate crunch – amazing for sandwiches, salads and lettuce cups.
Ha, yes! I think we all struggle with huge titles sometimes, but that’s ok. Better to know all the important details — especially when they sound as tasty as this. So good!
I really tried to think of something shorter, but finally just gave in. 🙂 Thanks, Eileen.
Hi Marissa, I love salads of all kinds, and I’m convinced the dressing makes a big part of it. Your recipe sounds so great, I have to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Cecilia! Yes, I agree – the dressing is really important. This one couldn’t be easier and it really is very good…
What a beautiful salad! I must admit – I am not usually a salad kind of girl, but this salad has got me very interested – it looks stunning! 🙂
So nice! Thank you…
I cannot wait to try your perfectly looking salad! Just in time, this week I am going with light dishes 🙂
Hooray for good timing! 🙂 Thanks Oana.
I LOVE everything about this dish! The flavors, textures, colors – it’s perfection on a plate! Beautifully photographed as well!
Thanks, Kathleen. 🙂
LOL Nobody will wonder what’s in your salad, that’s for sure. That’s a good thing because it’s wonderful!
At least I left out ‘chives’ right? Oh man, carrots too! 😉
LOVE Meyer lemons and this sounds so good. You even did the carrots the way my favorite Italian restaurant does – ribbons. perfect and everythings better with Pecorino!
I agree Kevin – I see Parmesan called for everywhere, but rarely Pecorino Romano and it’s such a great cheese. I love carrot ribbons in salad and always feel like I’ve skirted disaster when I manage to make them without slicing my finger with the peeler. 😉
This salad looks fresh and delicious and I love the flavors! Totally making it for lunch tomorrow! Pinned!
Thanks, Mira! If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think…
Marissa, you know I’m here to help. Here is the perfect title for this recipe = “AMAZING”. See? That sums it up. One word. Girl, easy peasy. 🙂 Truthfully, this looks absolutely fantastic – I am loving all the fantastic flavors, and it is gorgeous looking too! This is SO heading to Pinterest!
You’re right! Amazing Salad – that would have rolled off the tongue. 🙂
Marissa! Wow again! This sounds amazing and I just happen to have all the ingredients except the butter lettuce, mint and chives which are right down the street at a market which carries all. Looking forward to trying it! You always have such fun surprises. Thank you for sharing.
Aww, thanks Barb! Come over and I’ll make a platter of it just for you. xo
Hehe I know what you mean! Especially salads because they have so many delicious components that you just don’t want to leave out! 😀 A gorgeous looking offering Marissa!
It’s true, isn’t it!? I hate to shun any of the ingredients by leaving them out. 🙂
This is like a perfect plate of spring- I just love all the seasonal flavors Marissa! And that dressing sounds truly incredible 🙂
Thanks, Allie. The dressing really is amazing – promise! I was tempted to add garlic, but was glad I didn’t. It’s rich and tangy, but subtle enough to let the other flavors come through.
I’m glad you didn’t leave anything out of the title, because everyone of these ingredients sounds delicious!
Thanks, Erin! 🙂