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Baby Gem Lettuce Salad with Crunchy Croutons and Tangy French Dressing Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

This Baby Gem Lettuce Salad is a crisp and fresh French-inspired side dish featuring tender little gem lettuce leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy homemade croutons, and finely diced eschalots and chives. Tied together with a tangy Creamy French Dressing, this visually appealing salad delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that elevate any meal.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 3 baby gem lettuce (aka little gem lettuce), leaves separated, washed and dried
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes, or 2 regular tomatoes cut into bite size pieces)
  • 1/2 eschalot (shallot), finely diced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp chives, finely chopped
  • 1 quantity Creamy French Dressing

Croutons

  • 1 cup white bread such as baguette, ciabatta or sourdough, cut into 1cm (0.4”) cubes, preferably stale
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of cooking salt or kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan-forced). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the tray. These croutons can be stored in an airtight container for weeks.
  2. Assemble the Salad: Place all the separated baby gem lettuce leaves into a large mixing bowl. Add half of the halved tomatoes, croutons, chopped chives, and diced eschalots. Drizzle with half of the Creamy French Dressing. Gently toss the salad with your hands to combine all ingredients without bruising the leaves.
  3. Plate and Finish: Transfer the dressed salad onto a serving bowl or platter, arranging it attractively. Scatter the remaining tomatoes, croutons, chives, and eschalots evenly over the top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing for extra flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness and presentation.

Notes

  • Baby gem lettuce is a smaller, sweeter, and crisper variety of cos (romaine) lettuce with tender leaves perfect for whole leaf presentation.
  • Eschalots (known as shallots in the US) have a mild and sweet flavor. Substitute 2 tbsp finely chopped red or green onion if unavailable.
  • Use crusty breads such as baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough for croutons to maintain crunchiness; avoid soft white sandwich bread.
  • Leftover dressed salad will quickly wilt; prepare components separately and assemble just before serving.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/baby-gem-lettuce-salad-with-crunchy-croutons-and-tangy-french-dressing-recipe/