Boston Lettuce and Radishes with a Dijon Caper Dressing

Recipe by: Dave Lieberman | from Young and Hungry: More Than 100 Recipes for Cooking Fresh and Affordable Food for Everyone

Cookstr

Course: Cold Appetizer

Total Time: Under 15 Minutes

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

boston-lettuce-and-radishes-with-a-dijon-caper-dressing

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

A salad is always a welcome start to a full meal, and this one is a real beauty. It’s colorful and packed with flavor and textures. The sliced radishes add a spicy bite and an extra crunch. The ingredients for this salad are in season all year round.

Yield: Makes 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 large head Boston lettuce
1 bunch radishes (about 8 medium radishes), thinly sliced, and some reserved for garnish
1/3 cup capers, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat Italian parsley

for the dressing:

1 clove garlic, pressed
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Juice from ½ lemon
3 pinches of salt
10 grinds of black pepper

Directions

Remove the leaves from the lettuce and discard any browned, wilted, or holey outer leaves as well as the bitter inner leaves. Wash and dry the good leaves (see Note).

To make the dressing: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a sealable container until fully incorporated.

In a large bowl, toss the lettuce leaves with the radish slices, capers, chopped parsley, and most of the dressing. Divide the salad among the serving plates.

Notes

Dave’s Take: To juice a lemon, squeeze one half of the fruit with one hand over a small bowl. Use the other hand to catch any seeds that fall out.

The easiest way to tackle the washing is to do it in a big bowl or in your sink. If you're going to use the sink, clean it out first really well with soap and warm water and be sure to rinse all the soapy water before you start. Put the stopper in the drain and fill the sink or bowl three-quarters of the way with cold water. Throw in the greens and swish them around in the water, letting any grit and dirt settle to the bottom. Scoop the greens into a colander and shake it to get rid of as much water as you can.

The best way to get greens really dry is with a salad spinner. (Cheap plastic ones go for under $15 and last as many years.) Cheap or expensive, they work the same way. The greens go in a basket that spins around when you turn or push a handle. If you don't have a salad spinner, don't fret. Just try this: Shake as much water off the greens as you can while they'e in the colander. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or on several sheets of paper towels and then roll them up loosely. You can store them just like that in the refrigerator until you need them.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 180kcal (9%)

Sodium 555mg (23%)

Total Carbohydrate 3g

Fiber 1g

Fat 19g (29%)

Trans Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 3g (13%)

Monounsaturated Fat 10g

Polyunsaturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 4mg (1%)