Description

A fresh and vibrant Little Gem salad featuring crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a homemade dilly ranch dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

3 to 4 heads Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and washed

1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 cup radishes, thinly sliced

1 avocado, chopped

1 cup sunflower sprouts or microgreens

1/4 cup pickled red onions

1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves (optional)

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup buttermilk

1/3 cup sour cream

1 to 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, garlic, dill, parsley, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate the dressing while preparing the salad ingredients to allow the flavors to meld.
Place the washed Little Gem lettuce leaves into a large serving bowl.
Add the cucumber, radishes, avocado, sunflower sprouts or microgreens, pickled red onions, pumpkin seeds, and optional tarragon.
Drizzle the chilled dressing over the salad a little at a time, gently tossing until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, or black pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitute romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed baby greens if Little Gem lettuce is unavailable.

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds extra creaminess.

Use toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead of pumpkin seeds if desired.

Prepare the dressing up to 1 day ahead for enhanced flavor.

Store dressing separately for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and dress the salad just before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 313 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg