Three-Lettuce Salad
A vibrant and refreshing three-lettuce salad featuring crisp romaine, buttery butter lettuce, and delicate leaf lettuce. Tossed with a tangy sweet dressing and topped with mandarin oranges, grapes, and walnuts, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for light lunches or side dishes at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 bunch romaine lettuce, torn ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch butter lettuce, torn ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch leaf lettuce, torn ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin orange slices, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. seedless red grapes, halved ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a screw top jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, salt, and brown sugar.
- Cover the jar and shake until the ingredients are well blended.
- Chill the dressing until ready to serve.
- Toss torn romaine, butter lettuce, and leaf lettuce in a large bowl.
- Add drained mandarin orange slices, halved red grapes, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of citrus juice, like lemon or lime, to the dressing. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds make excellent substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-washed salad greens. Experimenting with different lettuces can enhance texture and taste, making it a refreshing side to dishes like the Cake That Don't Last.
Serving Suggestions
This Three-Lettuce Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also complements heartier dishes like pasta or roasted vegetables. For a more substantial salad, consider adding protein such as chickpeas or feta cheese. It's perfect for picnics or as a side dish for gatherings, offering a refreshing crunch alongside various entrees.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. If you want to enjoy the salad later, consider storing the components individually and assembling them just before serving for the best freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three-Lettuce Salad contains roughly 1373 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 148g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1820mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before using. This allows the flavors to meld together. If the dressing thickens while chilling, you may need to add a little water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
What can I add to this salad for more protein?
To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You could also incorporate cheese like feta or goat cheese for added flavor. These options will not only boost the protein content but also enhance the overall taste and texture of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just store the greens, fruits, and nuts separately from the dressing. When ready to eat, combine them for a fresh, crunchy salad. Keeping the components separate preserves the texture and flavor, making it a versatile choice for lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).