Tangy Summer Salad with Sea Salt

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €3.45 · €1.73/serving

• 1/4 cup premium red wine vinegar (use high-quality vinegar for best flavor)Est. price €0.18–€0.35
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (emulsify with a small amount of vinegar before adding oil)Est. price €0.03–€0.08
• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (slowly drizzle in while whisking to create an emulsion)Est. price €0.30–€0.60
• 1 two-finger pinch of Maldon flake salt (sprinkle over finished dish just before serving for a burst of flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 3 grinds of black pepper (use freshly ground pepper for the best aroma)Est. price €0.01–€0.03
• Maldon flake salt for serving at the table (provide a small dish for guests to season their own salads)Est. price €0.15–€0.25
• 1 small shallot bulb, cut in half and thinly sliced (rinse sliced shallot in cold water to mellow the flavor)Est. price €0.20–€0.40
• 2 small heads of butter leaf lettuce, separated into leaves, rinsed, and patted dry (tear lettuce into bite-sized pieces to maximize flavor)Est. price €2.50–€4.00

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the vinaigrette by mixing the thinly sliced shallot with vinegar in a small container. Allow it to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes, or you can leave it for several hours. The longer the shallots marinate in the vinegar, the greater the breakdown of their natural sugars into the liquid, resulting in a sweeter vinaigrette.

2. 2

   Prepare the salad dressing by combining mustard with vinegar, then gradually incorporate the oil while whisking continuously until a smooth and slightly thick vinaigrette is formed. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste before using it to dress the salad.

3. 3

   Once the dressing has been prepared, transfer the lettuce leaves into a salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and gently mix using wooden salad tongs or by hand. Tossing the salad with your hands helps to avoid damaging the delicate lettuce leaves.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  The use of premium red wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil in this salad reflects a Mediterranean influence, known for its heart-healthy ingredients and delicious flavors. The addition of dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, showcasing a blend of French and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

• Seasonal note

  This Tangy Summer Salad is best enjoyed during the summer months when butter leaf lettuce and shallots are in season, providing the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.

• Health note

  This salad is a nutritious choice, rich in Vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables. It also offers good fats from the olive oil, which can help with heart health. However, the high sodium content from the sea salt should be consumed in moderation.