When I was growing up a “salad” meant a bowl of good old shredded iceberg lettuce, a diced carrot and some Italian dressing drizzled on top. I thought I’d died and gone to Italy…and so my fixation with salad began.

Times have changed and so has my affinity for good exciting salads. I have to admit something, in my quest for the perfect salad, I’ve become a bit of a lettuce snob. Yup I said it. I love experimenting with all types of ingredients in my salads but lets face it …a good salad starts with good lettuce, and there are plenty to choose from.

There are “Butterheads” like Bibb and Boston. These are softer varieties of leaves that I like to pair with a dressing like ranch or buttermilk. Mache, mesclun (mixed) and mizuna (mustard greens) I find go nicely with all types of fun vinaigrettes like raspberry poppy seed, or good balsamic.

From the “Crisphead” family there is of course Roman hearts. And there is nothing better than an old school Cesar salad (and kids can’t get enough of them!) with crunchy croutons, cheesy Caesar dressing and real anchovies!

I’m fond of mixing my greens. Arugula and watercress (both have a nice peppery taste ) add a little flare to your everyday lettuce varieties. Or try filling endive spears with smoked trout or lemon cream cheese and salmon roe! I make an olives, pine nuts, sundried tomatoes and cream cheese mix with garlic, red pepper flakes and basil that’s tasty. Best part is your party guests will think you started a catering company on the side! There are so many filling options. It makes a nice fresh appetizer (which looks fancy but it’s super easy!)

But you can’t go wrong with an old school spinach salad –warm or cold. Bacon, mushrooms, red onion, spinach dressing… always so lovely!

This time of year, it’s easy to get creative with your salads and try all sorts of lettuce types from your local farmer’s market or grocery stores. You can even grow it in your garden. (I’m still working on that-keep you posted). And since you’ll be outside grilling anyway, throw an extra chicken or shrimp skewer while you’re cooking tonight’s dinner - you’ll have leftovers the next day to top off your salad and make tomorrow night’s meal in a flash!

Now, just so you know, I still have a soft spot in my heart for good old iceberg lettuce. I make an iceberg wedge salad with chopped eggs, bacon, diced red onion, and lots of cracked pepper and topped with either blue cheese, thousand island, or ranch dressing- depending on my mood! Ya see, you can never really take the iceberg outta the girl!

Tell me your fav lettuce and salad recipes! I read them all…
Till next time,
Jack

Keywords : appetizer, arugula, Butterhead, Crisphead, Favourite salades, lettuce, spinach

Comments ( 2 )

cinderell131

Submitted on 08/01/2010 at 13:56

Hi I also have fond memories of "iceberg" lettuce. My late mother-in-law, Belgian born, was a wonderful cook, and inspired me with mouth watering cooking, and she needed no recipe,as she remebered them all. We still call her iceberg creation, "Granny Larda salad", and each time I make any greens,I have happy tears. She made a mayonaise from beaten egg yolks, mustard (any type), salt and pepper, garlic. Then a slow, slow stream of oil, while wisking constantly. Washed, shredded, iceburg placed into a large serving bowl was always in her beautiful lidded one, as she took pride in her presentation, even in everday meals. The dressing was tossed in, 1/4 cup at a time until glossy.She always told me to let it "tombe" or "fall" to see how much dressing to add. This was because I have little patience and wanted to add so much dressing it went soggy.Then she added minced onion (optional), and a drained can of kerneled corn, (she always rinsed canned goods, as she felt they had a taste.)It was tossed until desired consistency was reached. This was often served with fresh cut fries and butter seared, pan fried steak....yummy... Oh, the memories! She was a wonderful woman, and I see her in my beautiful daughter.

carroll31

Submitted on 08/01/2010 at 7:09

I am a romaine girl. This summer my fav salad is romaine lettuce of course, strawberries, sunflower seeds and feta cheese. I make my own sweet and sour dressing to go with it...delicious. Love your show and website. Keep up the good work.

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