Little Gem Salad Recipe

Recipe for Fresh Herb Salad with Pickled Onions

Ingredients:

• 3 heads Little Gem lettuce, torn (12 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley and/or chives
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill, tarragon, and/or mint
• 1 1/3 cups purchased ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
• 1/3 cup Pickled Red Onions (see recipe below) or purchased pickled red onions
• 1/4 cup salted dry-roasted sunflower kernels
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Place the torn Little Gem lettuce, chopped parsley, and dill in a large bowl.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Top the salad with thinly sliced radishes, pickled red onions, sunflower kernels, and cracked black pepper.
4. Serve the salad with the remaining dressing on the side for added flavor.

Cook's Note:

If you cannot find Little Gem lettuce, substitute with 12 cups of torn romaine (3 hearts) or Bibb lettuce (4 heads).

Pickled Red Onions:

1. Thinly slice 1 medium red onion (about 1 1/3 cups) and place the slices in a pint-size canning jar.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover the jar and let the onions stand at room temperature for about 1 1/2 hours, then drain the onions.
5. Chill the pickled onions for up to 2 weeks if desired. This recipe yields 3/4 cup of pickled onions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	106
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	5mg
Sodium	382mg
Total Carbohydrate	3g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	1g
Vitamin C	5mg
Calcium	25mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	150mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Little Gem Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that brings together the delicate sweetness of Little Gem lettuce, the crispness of radishes, and the herbal tang of fresh parsley and dill. This dish, topped with pickled onions and crunchy sunflower seeds, offers a balanced flavor profile that's perfect for any gathering. However, beyond its delightful taste, this salad carries with it an intriguing history and cultural significance that has evolved over time.

Origin and History

The Little Gem lettuce, a key ingredient in this salad, traces its origins to the Mediterranean. It is a small, compact variety of lettuce that offers a slightly sweeter flavor and a more tender texture compared to other lettuce types like romaine. Little Gem lettuce is often referred to as the "baby romaine," and it is believed to have been cultivated in Southern France and Northern Italy for centuries. The salad itself, however, is a modern creation inspired by Mediterranean flavors, combining the fresh greens with regional ingredients like herbs and pickled vegetables.

Regional Variations

While Little Gem Salad as a dish is not limited to any specific region, it has become popular in various Mediterranean and American cuisines. In the Mediterranean, fresh herbs like tarragon and mint are commonly used, reflecting the abundance of herbs in the region's cooking. In the United States, the salad has gained popularity as a side dish in modern American cuisine, particularly at upscale restaurants and contemporary dinner parties. In some variations, ingredients like avocado, goat cheese, or bacon are added for a more robust flavor.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Little Gem Salad stands out from other salads, particularly traditional green salads, due to its unique use of Little Gem lettuce, which has a buttery texture and sweet flavor that differs from the more commonly used iceberg or romaine lettuce. Additionally, the combination of fresh herbs and pickled red onions gives the salad a distinct tangy and herbal quality that sets it apart from more basic salads. While many salads rely on a variety of vegetables, Little Gem Salad keeps things simple and elegant with fewer ingredients but maximum flavor.

Where Is It Usually Served?

Little Gem Salad is typically served as a side dish at both casual and formal gatherings. It is especially popular in Mediterranean and American restaurants, often accompanying seafood or grilled meats. Its light, fresh flavors make it an ideal pairing for summer barbecues, holiday dinners, and garden parties. In upscale dining, this salad is often presented as part of a multi-course meal, complementing richer dishes with its crisp texture and clean taste.

Interesting Facts

• The Little Gem lettuce is named for its small, "gem-like" size, which makes it easy to serve in individual portions.
• Pickled red onions are a common garnish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern salads, providing a burst of acidity that balances the dish's freshness.
• The sunflower kernels in the salad offer a source of healthy fats and a satisfying crunch, adding nutritional value and texture.
• While the Little Gem lettuce is originally from Europe, it has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in North America, where it is now grown extensively.

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a simple meal at home, Little Gem Salad is an easy yet impressive dish to serve. Its bright, fresh flavors and unique ingredients make it a standout choice for any occasion.

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