Salad Mignonette

Salad Mignonette Recipe from Australia with Lettuce, Avocado, and More

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salad Mignonette is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines a variety of fresh ingredients to create a delicious and healthy dish. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

Salad Mignonette is a classic French salad that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of fresh lettuce, avocado, orange, fennel, and walnuts creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

1 small mignonette lettuce, separated, washed and dried
100 g alfalfa sprouts
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
1 chicory (optional)
1 orange, peeled and sliced
1 small bulb fennel, thinly sliced
0.75 cup walnuts, slightly toasted
chives or shallots, finely chopped
1 cup small croutons (made from tiny squares of stale bread, fried in oil and garlic)
1 cup french dressing (garlic clove, 0.75 cup olive oil, 0.25 cup lemon juice)
salt and pepper
1 tsp white sugar

How to prepare

Line a bowl with lettuce leaves.
Layer the salad ingredients on top of the lettuce, finishing with the nuts and chives.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with croutons.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Use grapefruit or blood oranges instead of regular oranges for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Toasting the walnuts slightly enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.

- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Salad Mignonette can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to slice the avocado and fennel thinly for a more elegant presentation.

- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicory is not available, you can use arugula or watercress instead.

- If you don't have shallots, you can use red onion or green onion as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Salad Mignonette in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Salad Mignonette with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Do not reheat the salad, as the ingredients are best enjoyed cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Salad Mignonette contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Salad Mignonette is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the fruits and vegetables in the salad. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 15 grams.

Fats

The avocado and walnuts in Salad Mignonette provide healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

While Salad Mignonette is not a high-protein dish, the walnuts and alfalfa sprouts do provide some protein. Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Salad Mignonette is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the oranges, vitamin K from the lettuce, and potassium from the avocado. It also contains iron, magnesium, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and citrus (orange), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Salad Mignonette is a nutritious and delicious salad that is low in carbohydrates and calories, but high in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Salad Mignonette is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for a healthy meal or side dish. With a variety of fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie at her quaint cottage by the sea. We had spent the morning strolling along the beach, collecting seashells and watching the waves crash against the shore. As we sat down for lunch on her sun-drenched porch, Marie brought out a beautiful platter of Salad Mignonette.

The salad was a sight to behold - a colorful array of fresh vegetables, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The bright red tomatoes popped against the crisp green lettuce, while the purple onions added a touch of sweetness. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The flavors danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of acidity and freshness.

"Marie, this salad is divine. Where on earth did you learn to make it?" I asked, my mouth still full of the delicious concoction.

Marie smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, this old recipe has been passed down in my family for generations. My grandmother used to make it for special occasions, and I've carried on the tradition."

I begged her to teach me the recipe, and she graciously agreed. We spent the afternoon in her sunny kitchen, chopping vegetables and whisking together the dressing. As we worked, Marie shared the story of how she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, a formidable woman with a passion for cooking.

"Grandma always said that the key to a good salad is using the freshest ingredients you can find," Marie explained, as we added a handful of cherry tomatoes to the mix. "She would wake up early every morning to visit the local farmer's market, hand-picking the best produce for her dishes."

I listened intently, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge that Marie had to offer. As we finished the salad and sat down to enjoy it together, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I had learned a new recipe, one that held a special place in Marie's heart.

Over the years, I have made Salad Mignonette countless times, each batch a tribute to the memories of that sunny afternoon at Marie's cottage. I have added my own twists to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to make it my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Marie so graciously taught me. It has become a staple at potlucks and dinner parties, a dish that never fails to impress. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day when I first laid eyes on the recipe that would become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire.

So here's to Salad Mignonette - a dish that holds a special place in my heart, thanks to the wisdom and generosity of my dear friend Marie. May it continue to bring joy and flavor to the tables of all who taste it. Bon appétit!