| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 237 | 19g | 2.4g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 5g | 0.02g |
Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is one of those dishes that take me right back to my Coloradan roots. The tartness of the lemon zest, the crunch of the toasted walnuts, and the vibrant reds and blues of fresh strawberries and blueberries, combined with the slightly earthy flavor of miner’s lettuce, an indigenous plant in the rainbow state, brings forth an array of intermingling flavors that genuinely encapsulates the natural summer bounty of the Rocky Mountains.
Health Benefits
Aside from its clear ties to my beloved mountain home, what really makes Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette outstanding are its incredible health benefits. First and foremost, blueberries are packed full of antioxidants while the strawberries provide a good source of Vitamin C. Miner’s lettuce, the star of this gastronomic performance, is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, nutrients known to benefit eyesight and immune health (source). The walnuts add heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the apple cider vinegar delivers gut-friendly probiotics. And that’s before I even get to the lemon vinaigrette – with the zest and juice of a lemon whipped up with some honey, extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch, the dressing alone is a medley of flavor and wellness.
The Perfect Companion Dish
“What can I serve with the Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette?” you might ask. If you’re a fan of game meats like I am, this salad is a wonderful counterbalance to the robust, intensely savory flavors of dishes like Grilled Elk Steaks or Venison Burgers. The mixture of sweetness from the fruits, tartness from the lemon vinaigrette, and earthiness from the greens can give a delightful palate cleanse between the rich meaty bites. But if you’re looking for a lighter meal, this salad also pairs magically with a simple grilled trout, drizzled with a little bit of melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
From the rich tapestry of flavors to the extraordinarily healthy ingredients, it’s fair to say Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a dish that ticks all the boxes. I’m excited for you to experience a taste of Colorado’s mountainside freshness in your very own kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of fresh Miner’s lettuce
- 2 cups of strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 3/4 cup of walnuts, lightly toasted
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Clean the miner’s lettuce and let it dry. Hull and slice the strawberries, set aside. Wash the blueberries, and set them aside as well.
Step Two
Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep them moving in the pan for about 5 minutes or until they start to become golden and give off a nutty fragrance. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Step Three
Next, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. Zest and juice the lemon, then transfer both to a small bowl. Add the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Step Four
Now assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the miner’s lettuce, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together until well coated.
Step Five
Finally, serve the salad with a bit of extra vinaigrette on the side for those who wish to add more. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Miner’s Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette as a delightful spring or summer dish.
