Green Leaf Salad With Bleu Cheese Dressing
This is a fresh green leaf salad served with a creamy bleu cheese dressing. The salad combines torn lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and mushrooms, topped with a homemade dressing and garnished with mint.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 Tbs bleu cheese
- 2/3 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cups green leaf lettuce torn
- 2 2/3 Tbs low-fat buttermilk
- 1/6 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/6 cup low-fat yogurt
- Mint sprigs for garnish
- 2/3 small red onion sliced thin rings
- 1/3 cup white mushrooms well cleaned, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Combine 4 cups torn green leaf lettuce, 2/3 pint halved cherry tomatoes, 2/3 small red onion sliced into thin rings, and 1/3 cup well cleaned, thinly sliced white mushrooms in a large bowl.
- Mound the mixture on individual plates.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/6 cup low-fat yogurt, 1/6 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 2 2/3 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk, and 1 1/3 tablespoons bleu cheese. Mix by hand until smooth.
- Add freshly-ground black pepper to taste to the dressing and stir well.
- Drizzle the dressing over each salad.
- Garnish each plate with mint sprigs and serve immediately.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Advice
Serve this green leaf salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It pairs well with crusty whole grain bread or a light soup for a complete meal. The bleu cheese dressing adds a tangy richness that complements the fresh vegetables. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs to add a refreshing aroma and a pop of color. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for dinner parties.Variations
To vary this salad, you can add other fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. For a heartier version, include toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans, or add grilled chicken strips for protein. If you prefer a different cheese flavor, substitute the bleu cheese with feta or goat cheese. For a vegan alternative, replace the dairy ingredients in the dressing with plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese. Adjust the seasoning with a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the dressing's flavor.Wine Advice
Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc's crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the tangy bleu cheese dressing and fresh vegetables, enhancing the salad's bright flavors without overpowering them. Pinot Noir: A light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs well with the creamy bleu cheese and fresh greens, offering subtle fruitiness and soft tannins that balance the salad's richness. Try a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime to refresh the palate and complement the salad's fresh flavors without alcohol. Estimated ingredient cost: USD 2.50 per serving, excluding optional sides and drinks. Local prices vary. Missing nutrition values have been estimated per serving; existing values were retained. Assumptions: Nutrition estimates are based on the edible portions of fresh vegetables and dairy ingredients as listed, assuming standard sizes for cherry tomatoes and mushrooms. Serving size is one of four equal portions of the prepared salad with dressing. No additional sides or garnishes are included in the calculation. Optional sides and drinks are excluded.Nutrition values
Calories: 55 kcal | koolhydraten: 6 g | Eiwitten: 4 g | Vet: 2 g | Verzadigd vet: 1 g | Natrium: 150 mg | Suiker: 3 g