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Little Gem Salad with Caesar Vinaigrette and Crispy Shallots Recipe

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4 from 66 reviews

This Little Gem Salad with Caesar Vinaigrette and Crispy Shallots is a quick and elegant appetizer or side dish featuring tender, crunchy little gem lettuce leaves coated in a creamy, tangy Caesar-inspired dressing. Topped with crunchy radishes, savory crispy shallots, freshly grated Parmesan, roasted pistachios, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, ready in just 15 minutes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Caesar Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup good-quality mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Salad

  • 14 oz little gem lettuce (about 3 small heads)
  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup crispy shallots (store-bought or homemade)*
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (about 2 oz)
  • 3 tablespoons roasted pistachios, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Caesar Vinaigrette: Combine the mayonnaise, extra virgin olive oil, champagne vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and black pepper in a food processor or small blender cup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients together thoroughly in a small bowl or jar until well emulsified.
  2. Prepare the Lettuce: Break apart the little gem lettuce heads into individual leaves and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle half of the prepared vinaigrette over the leaves and toss gently but thoroughly until all leaves are evenly coated with a thin layer of dressing.
  3. Assemble the Salad: Transfer the dressed lettuce leaves to a large serving platter or bowl. Evenly layer the thinly sliced radishes, crispy shallots, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the lettuce. Scatter the roasted, finely chopped pistachios on top, and if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor.
  4. Finish with Remaining Dressing: Drizzle the remaining Caesar vinaigrette over the assembled salad just before serving to ensure vibrant flavor and texture contrast.

Notes

  • Crispy shallots can be purchased pre-made or made at home by thinly slicing shallots and frying them until golden and crisp, then draining on paper towels.
  • Use good-quality mayonnaise and fresh Parmesan for the best flavor in the vinaigrette.
  • For a nut-free option, omit pistachios and consider sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds instead.
  • To make this salad vegetarian, omit the anchovy paste and Worcestershire sauce or substitute with vegetarian alternatives.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/little-gem-salad-with-caesar-vinaigrette-and-crispy-shallots-recipe/