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Lettuce, Basil, and Cucumber Salad with Goat Cheese





Yields
Serves 10




Total Time
30 mins

Simple but inventive salads are a signature at Ned Ludd restaurant in Portland, and chef Jason French brings that same knack to this fresh salad for his beach menu. For an element of surprise, he spreads basil purée on the plate, rather than tossing it with the other ingredients. This also helps keep the salad crisp.

su-Lettuce, Basil, and Cucumber Salad with Goat Cheese




Photo: Coral Von Zumwalt
 3/4 cup plus 5 to 6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
 1 qt. loosely packed fresh basil leaves (4 oz.)
  About 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
 5 or 6 Persian cucumbers or 1 1/2 English cucumbers, cut into chunks
 5 small heads Little Gem* lettuce or 3 hearts of romaine, torn into pieces
  About 2 tbsp. lemon juice
 10 ounce fresh goat cheese
Step 1
1

Put 3/4 cup oil in a blender, add a few basil leaves, and pulse to blend. Continue pulsing as you add more leaves and 1 small ice cube (it helps move the leaves around); blend until mixture is smooth. Season with about 1 tsp. salt.

Step 2
2

Put cucumbers and lettuce in a large bowl, add 5 to 6 tbsp. oil and the lemon juice, and toss to coat evenly. Season with about 1/4 tsp. salt and toss again.

Step 3
3

Spread basil purée on plates or a large platter, top with greens and cucumbers, and crumble goat cheese on top. Serve right away.

Step 4
4

*Find Little Gem lettuce, a mini romaine, at farmers' markets.

Step 5
5

Make ahead: For basil purée and lettuce, up to 1 day, chilled; bring basil purée to room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 335Calories from Fat 86
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 9.4g47%
Cholesterol 22mg8%
Sodium 341mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 5.3g2%

Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Protein 7.6g16%

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