Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This unexpected combination of butter lettuce, sweet strawberries, and crunchy cocoa nibs is about to transform your perception of what a salad can be. Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that's not only incredibly simple to prepare but also delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups butter lettuce
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully wash the butter lettuce leaves under cool running water, gently patting them dry with clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse fresh strawberries and slice them thinly, approximately 1/8 inch thick, using a sharp paring knife on a clean cutting board.
- Arrange the butter lettuce leaves in a large serving bowl or on individual salad plates, creating a soft, gentle bed of greens.
- Distribute the sliced strawberries evenly across the lettuce leaves, ensuring a balanced presentation.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey and fresh lemon juice until well combined, creating a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Sprinkle cocoa nibs generously over the lettuce and strawberries, providing a rich, crunchy texture contrast.
- Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Season lightly with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and the freshness of the strawberries.
Tips
- Choose the Freshest Ingredients: Select crisp, vibrant butter lettuce and ripe, ruby-red strawberries to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
- Knife Skills Matter: When slicing strawberries, use a sharp paring knife and aim for consistent, thin slices to create an elegant presentation.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the lettuce's crispness, add the honey-lemon dressing only moments before serving.
- Temperature Tip: Serve the salad slightly chilled for a refreshing experience, but not so cold that it dulls the flavors.
- Cocoa Nibs Placement: Sprinkle cocoa nibs just before serving to preserve their satisfying crunch.
- Customization Option: For added protein, consider topping with some crumbled goat cheese or toasted almonds.
- Dressing Balance: Whisk the honey and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette that complements the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 65kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
