French-style Lettuce Salad

Haitian Lettuce Salad Recipe with Garlic and Parsley | Easy-to-Follow Recipe

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

French-style Lettuce Salad is a classic and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad is simple yet flavorful, with a delicious dressing made from salad oil, wine vinegar, lime juice, and minced parsley.

History

French-style Lettuce Salad has been a staple in French cuisine for centuries. It is a popular dish in France, known for its fresh and vibrant flavors. The combination of crisp lettuce, tangy vinegar, and fragrant garlic creates a delicious and satisfying salad.

Ingredients

1 head of lettuce
0.25 tsp of salt
1 clove of garlic, sliced
freshly ground pepper
2 tbsp of salad oil
1 tbsp of minced parsley
1 tbsp of wine vinegar
1 tsp of lime juice

How to prepare

Wash, drain, and dry the lettuce thoroughly.
Rub a salad bowl with garlic and add the other ingredients to the bowl.
Mix well using a salad spoon.
Place a crisscrossed salad fork and spoon in the salad bowl to prevent the lettuce from getting dressed until ready to serve.
Tear the lettuce leaves with your hands and place them over the top of the salad fork and spoon.
Just before serving, toss the salad thoroughly.

Variations

Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for extra freshness.
Top the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese for added flavor.
Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the lettuce before preparing the salad to ensure it is clean and crisp.

- Rubbing the salad bowl with garlic adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dressing.

- Toss the salad just before serving to ensure that the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

French-style Lettuce Salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious French-style Lettuce Salad is to toss the salad just before serving to ensure that the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salad oil, you can use olive oil as a substitute. You can also use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just toss the salad right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French-style Lettuce Salad in a large salad bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or pasta. It also goes well with a glass of crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

French-style Lettuce Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Toss the salad before serving to refresh the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of French-style Lettuce Salad contains approximately 100 calories, making it a light and nutritious option.

Carbohydrates

French-style Lettuce Salad is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.

Fats

The salad oil used in this recipe provides healthy fats that are essential for overall health and well-being.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, you can easily add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and iron. The parsley in the dressing adds additional vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

French-style Lettuce Salad is a healthy and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a light meal.

Summary

French-style Lettuce Salad is a classic and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With its simple yet flavorful dressing and crisp lettuce, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in her cozy little kitchen in the countryside of France. The sun was shining through the window, casting a golden glow on the fresh vegetables she had just picked from her garden.

As Marie chopped and prepared the ingredients for our lunch, I couldn't help but admire her graceful movements and the way she effortlessly whipped up the most delicious dishes. I had always been in awe of her culinary skills and today was no different.

"Would you like to learn how to make a French-style Lettuce Salad?" Marie asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement. I eagerly nodded, eager to soak up any knowledge she was willing to share with me.

Marie began by explaining that the key to a perfect French-style Lettuce Salad lies in the quality of the ingredients. She stressed the importance of using the freshest lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers. She also emphasized the significance of the dressing, which should be light, tangy, and perfectly balanced.

As she talked, I watched her hands move with precision and skill, mixing the ingredients together in a large bowl. She added a splash of red wine vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. She then tossed the salad gently, making sure that each leaf was coated with the flavorful dressing.

Finally, Marie added a generous handful of fresh herbs from her garden – parsley, chives, and tarragon – which added a burst of flavor and aroma to the salad. She explained that the herbs were the secret ingredient that elevated the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

After a few minutes of tossing and mixing, the salad was ready to be served. We sat down at the table, the sun streaming through the window, and enjoyed the crisp, refreshing flavors of the French-style Lettuce Salad. It was a simple dish, yet it tasted like pure magic.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, always remembering that sunny afternoon in Marie's kitchen. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of French cooking that Marie taught me. Each time I make the salad, I am transported back to that moment, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and the love of a dear friend in my heart.

As I write this recipe down, I can't help but smile at the memories it evokes. The French-style Lettuce Salad is not just a dish – it is a reminder of the joy of cooking, the beauty of fresh ingredients, and the love that goes into preparing a meal for those you care about. I am grateful for the lessons Marie taught me that day, and I will always cherish the moments we shared in her kitchen, creating delicious dishes that brought us together in friendship and love.