Gem lettuce salad
Bright, fresh, and colourful, this gem lettuce salad combines smoky charred leaves with creamy avocado, juicy pomegranate, tangy white cheese, and fresh mint. A zesty citrus dressing ties it all together, making it perfect for garden lunches or effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Dressing
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1
Lemon, juiced
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2 tbsp
Olive oil
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½
Orange, juiced
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½ tsp
Ground cumin (optional)
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Gem lettuce salad
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4
Gem lettuce, cut in half lengthways
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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2
Avocados, thinly sliced
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200 g
Pomegranate seeds
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1
Red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp
Fresh mint leaves
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To remove the pomegranate seeds easily, cut the pomegranate in half and hold one half over a bowl. Tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon so the seeds drop out cleanly. Alternatively, place the halves in a bowl of water and loosen the seeds with your fingers. The seeds will sink, and the white membrane will float, so you can simply remove it.
A mandoline slicer is the quickest way to get thin, uniform slices of red onion. Set it to 1–2 mm and slice with care. At this thickness, the onion adds just enough flavour and bite without being too dominant, making the salad look more presentable.
Sear the gem lettuce on a very hot griddle pan for no more than 1 minute. You want dark grill marks, but the lettuce should still feel fresh and hold its crunch. Leaving it on too long will make it wilt and lose its texture.
FAQ: Questions about gem lettuce salad
Get answers to the most common questions about making gem lettuce salad, including prep, storage, and serving tips.
Can I prepare the dressing for the gem lettuce salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing for the gem lettuce salad ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in a jar or any container with a secure lid for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before using, as the oil and citrus juice may separate over time.
How long does the gem lettuce salad stay fresh?
Gem lettuce salad will stay fresh for up to 1 day if stored in the fridge without the dressing. If possible, keep each component in a separate airtight container. Once dressed, the lettuce and avocado lose their texture quickly, so it is best served immediately.
What can I serve with gem lettuce salad?
Gem lettuce salad works well as part of a light meal. Serve it with grilled meat, roasted vegetables, or a slice of quiche. For a quick lunch, it also goes nicely with toasted bread or flatbread on the side.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1029 Kcal
| Fibre | 42.3 gram fibers |
| Protein | 9.7 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 46.2 gram |
| Fat | 90.7 gram |
Griddled gem lettuce salad
In our gem lettuce salad recipe, we take this everyday vegetable and give it a new and exciting look. Griddling it on a scorching hot pan lets it pick up a subtle smoky flavour. The cut side gets deep grill marks, the edges char slightly, and that little bit of bitterness works surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of the lettuce. The inside stays cool and snappy, so you get a combination of delicate crunch and gentle warmth with every bite.
With red onion, creamy avocado, juicy pomegranate seeds, and white cheese
The lettuce needs a few fresh and lively companions to complement its smoky flavour. Red onion provides a sharp and crunchy bite, and to soften its intensity, avocado offers a smooth, buttery texture with a hint of nuttiness. Pomegranate seeds add a sweet-sour touch with a juicy pop, and white cheese delivers a salty bite. Ultimately, you get crunch, cream, sharpness, and sweetness - all built around the gem lettuce.
Drizzle with a citrusy cumin dressing
Every salad needs a dressing, and our citrusy cumin dressing is simple yet so flavourful with its sharp and fresh notes. Lemon juice delivers its familiar, punchy tartness, and orange juice smooths it out with its tangy sweetness. Olive oil gives the dressing a rich body, and its mild fruitiness softens the lemon’s sharpness and makes the orange’s sweetness more noticeable.
A pinch of cumin is optional, but we strongly suggest you use it. Its slightly bitter warmth deepens the charred notes in the lettuce, and its citrusy undertone supports the fruits, creating a sharp and fresh dressing.
A stunning side that compliments any meal
With its enticing colours and strong presence on the table, this gem lettuce salad always draws attention. It looks the part no matter the setting, but it is more than just good-looking. It has that rare flexibility few sides manage, making it fit into nearly any meal, whether you are sitting down to a heartier dinner or keeping it light, even at lunch.
It goes well with everything from a classic lasagne to a quick asparagus and tomato pasta. You can also pair it with a mushroom quiche, succulent pork tenderloin, or grilled chicken with tender potatoes.
Give it a personal touch
If you want to give the gem lettuce salad a personal touch, we have a few ideas to get you started. Before the gem lettuce hits the griddle pan, try brushing it with olive oil mixed with smoked paprika, crushed garlic, or a pinch of sumac. Smoked paprika gives it a sweet and smoky touch that enhances the char further, while garlic and sumac give it an aromatic note with a citrusy tang.
Want a bit more crunch? Toss in a handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds. Almonds stay firm with a light sweetness, while sunflower seeds are smaller, nuttier, and slightly chewier. For those after a bit of tang, replace the red onion with pickled red onion – still intense but softer and brightened with acidity. Or, go down a fruitier path with grapefruit slices, which offer a juicy freshness and a hint of bitterness.
