Artisan lettuce is a blend of premium, tender lettuce varieties like butter, oak leaf, baby romaine, and frisée. It’s often more delicate and flavorful than standard lettuce.
If you’re looking for a refreshing, restaurant-quality dish, this artisan lettuce salad will wow your taste buds. Packed with crisp greens, vibrant toppings, and a perfectly balanced dressing, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Why This Salad?
Easy Yet Elegant: Simple to prepare but fancy enough for a dinner party.
Crisp and Fresh: Uses a variety of tender artisan lettuces for the ultimate crunch.
Burst of Flavors: A mix of sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients makes every bite exciting.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed artisan lettuce (butter, oak leaf, baby romaine, and frisée)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts or almonds
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (or fresh mozzarella for a milder option)
For the Dressing
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Preparation
Prepare the Lettuce
Gently wash and dry the artisan lettuce to keep it crisp. Tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Add the Toppings
Scatter the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion over the greens. Sprinkle in the feta cheese and toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well combined.
Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate lettuce leaves.
Tips for the Best Artisan Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients
- Adjust sweetness or acidity by tweaking the honey or vinegar
- Add protein like grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or avocado for extra nutrition
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
This salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals while keeping things light and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This artisan lettuce salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be dull. It is fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, which is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or an elegant meal for guests, this salad delivers both taste and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but store the dressing separately.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even parmesan shavings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Mark Edward is a skilled chef with Five Years of experience as a Chef Master. He creates innovative dishes and shares his culinary expertise on his popular recipes website, inspiring home cooks with creative, flavorful, and easy-to-follow recipes.