Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
Butter lettuce, with its mild flavor and tender leaves, forms the base of this salad. Roasted vegetables add sweetness and depth, while feta cheese and almonds provide a salty, crunchy contrast. A simple vinaigrette dressing ties all the elements together.
The origins of this salad are shrouded in mystery, but legend has it that it was first created in a small village in the hills of Tuscany. A local farmer, named Luigi, was known for his bountiful harvests of butter lettuce and roasted vegetables. One day, while hosting a feast for his friends and family, Luigi's wife, Maria, decided to experiment with a new salad recipe. She combined the lettuce and vegetables with some feta cheese and almonds she had on hand, and tossed it all together with a simple vinaigrette dressing. The salad was a hit, and soon became a staple at gatherings throughout the village. Over time, the salad made its way to the United States, where it has become a popular choice for light and refreshing meals.
Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 head of butter lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the butter lettuce, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, almonds, and parsley.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The combination of sweet, roasted vegetables and salty, crunchy feta cheese and almonds creates a perfect balance of flavors.
  • The mild flavor of butter lettuce allows the other ingredients to shine through.
  • The simple vinaigrette dressing is light and flavorful, and complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.