Lettuce Salad

Lettuce Salad Recipe with Sour Cream and Chives

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lettuce salad is a classic and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This simple recipe combines the crispness of fresh lettuce with a tangy dressing to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

Lettuce salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cultures around the world. The combination of fresh lettuce and a simple dressing has long been a staple in many cuisines, providing a light and refreshing option for meals.

Ingredients

4 lettuce leaves (use butter lettuce, red- or green-leaf lettuce)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
about 0.5 cup sour cream
fresh chives, finely cut or thinly sliced onions
salt
pepper

How to prepare

Wash and drain the lettuce.
Stir the other ingredients together and pour them over the lettuce.
Mix lightly.
You can use a sliced hard-boiled egg as a garnish if desired, to add a fancy touch or give it more substance.
This salad does not keep well.
It should be served immediately or the lettuce will wilt and become unpleasant.
If possible, avoid using iceberg lettuce in this recipe. Use the type listed in the ingredients. Only if the specified lettuce is unavailable, you may use iceberg lettuce.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and crunch.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter dressing option.
Top the salad with crumbled bacon or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and drain the lettuce thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Mixing the dressing ingredients together before pouring over the lettuce ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Adding a sliced hard-boiled egg as a garnish can elevate the salad and add extra protein.

- Serve the salad immediately to prevent the lettuce from wilting and becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Lettuce salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious lettuce salad is to ensure that the lettuce is fresh and crisp. Be sure to wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly before mixing it with the dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute. You can also use white wine vinegar or lemon juice in place of the vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Lettuce salad is best served immediately after preparing, as the lettuce will wilt if left to sit for too long. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and chop the lettuce in advance, but wait to mix them together until just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lettuce salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Lettuce salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or pasta. It also makes a great side dish for sandwiches or wraps.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Lettuce salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Be sure to mix the salad well before serving again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of lettuce salad contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

The lettuce salad contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The salad contains about 8 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the sour cream in the dressing.

Proteins

Each serving of the lettuce salad provides around 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A and K, as well as folate and iron. The salad also contains calcium and potassium from the sour cream.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of sour cream, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, lettuce salad is a light and healthy dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lettuce salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a tangy dressing and fresh lettuce, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a fine piece of china. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box. I had always been a lover of all things food, and my collection of recipes was a testament to that. But there was one dish that had always eluded me - a simple yet delicious lettuce salad.

As I flipped through the weathered index cards, I came across a faded recipe card that caught my eye. It was written in elegant script, with the title "Grandma's Famous Lettuce Salad" at the top. My heart skipped a beat as I read through the ingredients and instructions. This was it, the recipe I had been searching for all these years.

I sat down at the kitchen table, the card clutched in my hand like a precious treasure. Memories of my own grandmother flooded back to me - her warm smile, her comforting presence in the kitchen, and the delicious meals she would prepare with love and care. I knew that this recipe was a gift from her, a piece of her culinary legacy that she had passed down to me.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I set about gathering the ingredients for the salad. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, tangy red onion, and a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. As I chopped and sliced, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through each step. It was as if she was there with me, whispering in my ear and sharing her culinary wisdom.

The dressing was a simple yet flavorful combination of olive oil, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. I whisked it together in a small bowl, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. My grandmother had always taught me that the key to a good salad was a well-balanced dressing, and I could feel her presence in every drop of olive oil and splash of vinegar.

As I tossed the salad together, the colors and textures melding into a beautiful mosaic of flavors, I felt a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over me. This was more than just a recipe - it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of strong, talented women who had come before me.

I set the salad on the table, a vibrant centerpiece amidst the simple dinner I had prepared. My family gathered around, their eyes widening in anticipation as they caught sight of the colorful dish before them. I told them the story of how I had discovered the recipe, how it had been passed down through the generations, and how it now sat before us as a symbol of love and tradition.

As we dug into the salad, the flavors exploding on our taste buds, I could see the joy and appreciation in my family's eyes. They knew that this dish was more than just food - it was a story, a legacy, a piece of our shared history. And as we savored each bite, I knew that my grandmother was smiling down on us, her spirit alive in every leaf of lettuce and every drop of dressing.

That day, as we sat around the table, laughing and talking and enjoying the meal that I had prepared with love and care, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the women who had come before me. They had passed down not just recipes, but a way of life, a philosophy of cooking and eating that was rooted in tradition and love.

And as I looked at my family gathered around me, their plates empty and their faces glowing with satisfaction, I knew that I had honored my grandmother's memory in the best way possible - by sharing her love of food and family with those who mattered most to me. This lettuce salad may have been just a simple dish, but to me, it was a treasure, a link to the past, and a reminder of the enduring power of love and tradition.