Crisp Little Gem Lettuce Salad Creation

Spicy Little Gems Salad with a Kick

Crisp Little Gem Lettuce Salad Creation

Salad enthusiasts, prepare to savor an extraordinary dining adventure with this spicy Little Gems Salad! Experience the harmonious blend of a cross between romaine and butter lettuce, a zesty vinaigrette, toasted walnuts, pomegranate seeds, citrus segments, and fresh herbs. Learn how to make this mouthwatering creation below.

If you can't get your hands on Little Gems, simply swap them with butter lettuce instead. Complete this unforgettable meal with our recommended dishes, roasted jalapeño pork tenderloin, and Habanero glazed apple dessert.

### Game plan: Keep the dressing in a sealed container for up to 1 month in the fridge.

• Yield: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Total: 30 minutes

### Ingredients (16)

#### For the dressing:

• 1/3 cup Thai chili vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

#### For the salad:

• 1 pound Little Gem or butter lettuce
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 2 medium satsuma mandarin oranges
• 1 medium Cara Cara or blood orange
• 1 medium Ruby Red grapefruit

#### To serve:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup whole walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
• Cayenne pepper to taste

### Instructions

#### For the dressing:

1. In a blender, combine the chili vinegar, honey, canola oil, olive oil, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Set aside.

#### For the salad:

1. Prepare a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Trim the root ends of the lettuce and immerse them in the cold water several times to remove any loose outer leaves and dirt. Cut them in half or into 4 wedges depending on the type of lettuce used.
2. Cut the pomegranate in half and hit the back with a wooden spoon over a medium bowl to release the seeds. Remove the membranes with cold water and drain the seeds.
3. Slice 1/4 inch off the top and bottom of the citrus fruits and remove any remaining peel and white pith. Working over a large bowl, slice between the membranes to release the segments, or supremes.

#### To serve:

1. Line a large serving bowl with the lettuce wedges, cut-side up. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the dressing over the lettuce and season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Toss gently with your hands to coat.
2. Artfully scatter the pomegranate seeds, citrus segments (leave any juices behind in the bowl), walnuts, jalapeños, parsley, and tarragon over the lettuce. Drizzle another tablespoon of the dressing over the salad. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

### Enrichment Data:

#### The Spicy Twist: Unleash your taste buds with an imaginative take on the traditional salad. Replace the champagne vinegar with Thai chili vinegar, which adds a zingy kick. To elevate the flavors further, mix cayenne pepper, jalapeños, and sliced habaneros into the vinaigrette and salad.

#### The Fire-Grilled Protein: Intensify your meal with our Jalapeño-Infused Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Marinate the pork in jalapeño and citrus juices for a succulent, smoky, and spicy sensation.

#### The Sweet Finale: Pair your spicy salad with a delightful Habanero-Caramel Apple Crisp for a memorable culinary experience. This delectable dessert combines the sweetness of apples, the heat of habaneros, and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream into one unforgettable treat.

1. For an added spicy twist to the salad, replace the champagne vinegar with Thai chili vinegar and mix cayenne pepper, jalapeños, and sliced habaneros into the vinaigrette and salad.
2. To elevate the flavors of the recommended dish, roasted jalapeño pork tenderloin, marinate the pork in jalapeño and citrus juices for a succulent, smoky, and spicy sensation.
3. Alternatively, if you can't find Little Gems, swap them with butter lettuce to prepare the Spicy Little Gems Salad.
4. Complete the Spicy Little Gems Salad with the Habanero glazed apple dessert for an unforgettable culinary experience, as the sweetness of apples, the heat of habaneros, and the creaminess of vanilla ice cream combine into one memorable treat.

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