Asparagus and Butterhead Lettuce Salad

The texture of butterhead lettuce keeps this salad light and delicate. Prep Time: 30 minutes. Notes: You can use any tender, sweet lettuce in place of butterhead. Find perlini mozzarella at specialty grocery stores and Italian markets, or use a 4-oz. piece of fresh mozzarella grated on the large holes of a box grater or cut into 1/4-in. pieces.

1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb.)

2 heads butterhead lettuce such as Boston or Bibb (see Notes)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly shredded lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

4 ounces perlini mozzarella (tiny balls; see Notes)

2 tablespoons pine nuts

Step 1

Hold the end of an asparagus stalk and bend until it snaps off. Repeat with remaining stalks and discard woody ends. Slice trimmed spears on the diagonal into 1/8-in. lengths, leaving tips about 1 in. long.

Step 2

Remove and discard outer leaves of lettuce heads. Tear remaining leaves into bite-size pieces. Rinse and dry. Set aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, lemon zest, pepper, and dry mustard until creamy-looking.

Step 4

In a large bowl, toss lettuce with 3 tbsp. dressing. Divide lettuce among 4 salad plates. Toss asparagus pieces with remaining dressing and spoon over lettuces, dividing evenly. Sprinkle salads with perlini and pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Step 5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 240Calories from Fat 75

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 6.4g32%
Cholesterol 25mg9%
Sodium 411mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 7.2g3%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Protein 11g22%

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

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Asparagus and Butterhead Lettuce Salad