Little Gem Salad With Horseradish Dressing Recipes

LITTLE GEM SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Still whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in both oils and continue to whisk until the dressing is completely emulsified. (Alternatively, place all the vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar, screw on the lid, and shake until completely emulsified.)
• In a large bowl, gently toss the lettuce, parsley, dill, radishes, shallot, chives, and walnuts.
• Drizzle the salad greens with the walnut vinaigrette and gently toss again. Season with salt and pepper and toss one last time, making sure each leaf is coated with the vinaigrette. Taste and add more vinaigrette or salt and pepper, if needed. (If you have leftover vinaigrette, you can refrigerate it in a lidded jar for up to several days.)
• Transfer the salad to a large platter or serving bowl. Using a vegetable peeler, shave strips of ricotta salata over the top. Finish, if desired, with a drizzle of walnut oil. Serve immediately.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH HORSERADISH DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons capers (patted dry) and fry until crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove with a spoon; drain on paper towels. Toss 1 minced small shallot with 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a large bowl; let sit 10 minutes, then whisk in 1/2 cup creme fraiche, 2 tablespoons horseradish (drained), 1 teaspoon each lemon zest, Dijon mustard and kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add 4 small heads Little Gem lettuce and 2 heads red endive (leaves separated), 1 cup sugar snap peas (strings removed and sliced), 6 thinly sliced radishes and 1/3 cup chopped dill; toss. Top with the fried capers.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH GARLICKY ALMOND DRESSING

Steps:

• Remove wilted exterior leaves from each head of lettuce. Cut stems from the lettuce heads, separate leaves and swish in a large basin of cold water, letting any sand or dirt sink to the bottom. Lift the leaves from the water and transfer to a colander. Shake away excess water. Wrap in kitchen towels to dry or use a salad spinner.
• Make the dressing: Put almonds, vinegar and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Put leaves in a wide salad bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Dress lightly just before serving, using 2 or 3 tablespoons of dressing and coating leaves well. Taste and add more dressing as necessary. Store any remaining dressing in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

LITTLE GEM SALAD WITH LEMON CREAM AND HAZELNUTS

Steps:

• Boost the Cream:
• Combine garlic and cream in a small bowl. Season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover and chill 1 hour.
• Go Nuts:
• Toast the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet in a 350° oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 8-10 minutes. Let cool; coarsely chop.
• Veg Out:
• Thinly slice the carrots lengthwise on a mandoline and separate leaves from lettuce.
• Get Dressed:
• Strain the infused cream into a medium bowl and add the oil. Whip to very soft peaks, then whisk in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Bring It Home:
• Toss the carrots, lettuce, mint leaves, and half of hazelnuts with remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Add a few dollops of lemon cream and gently toss to coat. Spoon remaining lemon cream onto a platter and mound salad over. Top with cheese, remaining hazelnuts, and some cracked pepper and flaky sea salt.

DRESSED LITTLE GEMS

Steps:

• Mix the oil and vinegar with a generous pinch of salt (preferably flakes) to make the dressing.
• Pack the lettuce into a plastic food container with ice to keep it fresh. Take the dressing and cheese into smaller containers. Arrange the lettuce on a platter, drizzle with the dressing and scatter with the cheese.