Sunflower Sprouts Salad
Photo: Annabelle Breakey
Our version of the standard green salad is an airy stack of tender butter lettuce leaves with raw and cooked vegetables. Prep and Cook Time: 40 minutes. Notes: We love the fresh, nutty flavor of sunflower sprouts, but you can substitute any variety of sprout you like.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a small bowl, whisk together shallot, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2
2
Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cut off and discard bottom halves of asparagus spears. Cut tops into 2-in. lengths. Cook asparagus until barely tender, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl of ice and cold water. When cool, drain and set aside.
Step 3
3
In a large bowl, combine lettuce leaves and sprouts. Add half of the reserved vinaigrette and toss carefully just until coated. Divide lettuce and sprouts among 4 plates, starting with the largest leaves for the bottom layer. Sprinkle each pile of greens with asparagus, cucumber, bell pepper, and radishes. Drizzle the vegetables with a little more vinaigrette.
Step 4
4
Place 1 tbsp. goat cheese on each salad and serve with remaining vinaigrette and sea salt for sprinkling if you like.
Step 5
5
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
Ingredients
1 shallot, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup Champagne vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound asparagus
Ice
1 head butter lettuce, separated into leaves
8 ounces sunflower sprouts (see Notes)
1/2 cup thinly sliced English cucumber
1 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
4 ounces soft goat cheese (chèvre)
Directions
Step 1
1
In a small bowl, whisk together shallot, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Step 2
2
Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cut off and discard bottom halves of asparagus spears. Cut tops into 2-in. lengths. Cook asparagus until barely tender, about 3 minutes. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl of ice and cold water. When cool, drain and set aside.
Step 3
3
In a large bowl, combine lettuce leaves and sprouts. Add half of the reserved vinaigrette and toss carefully just until coated. Divide lettuce and sprouts among 4 plates, starting with the largest leaves for the bottom layer. Sprinkle each pile of greens with asparagus, cucumber, bell pepper, and radishes. Drizzle the vegetables with a little more vinaigrette.
Step 4
4
Place 1 tbsp. goat cheese on each salad and serve with remaining vinaigrette and sea salt for sprinkling if you like.
Step 5
5
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.
