Bibb Lettuce Recipe
mimi’s smoked blue, honey vinaigrette, pickled apricot, pecan
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Ingredients
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Salad
Honey Vinaigrette
Quick Pickled Apricots (if making your own)
Method
Quick Pickled Apricots (optional)
- 1
Make quick pickles
If using store-bought pickled apricots, skip this step. In a small saucepan combine 0.5 cup water, 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp sugar and 0.25 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugar and salt, then remove from heat. Add 12 dried apricot halves to the warm brine and let steep for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. Drain before using. For best flavor, refrigerate in the brine for 1 hour, but 15 minutes is acceptable for a quick prep.
Honey Vinaigrette
- 2
Emulsify dressing
In a bowl or jar combine 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons honey and 1 tablespoon minced shallot. Whisk to combine. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil until a cohesive emulsion forms. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust: add a little more honey if you prefer sweeter, or an extra 1/2 teaspoon vinegar if you prefer brighter acidity.
Salad Assembly
- 3
Prepare lettuce
Gently separate the Bibb lettuce heads into whole leaves (leave some small hearts intact if you want a composed presentation). Rinse leaves thoroughly under cold water, spin or pat dry with a clean towel until leaves are crisp and dry. Chill briefly if desired.
- 4
- 5
Crumble cheese
Crumble 3 oz Mimi's smoked blue cheese into bite-sized pieces. Keep some slightly larger crumbles for a rustic look and some finer crumbs for even distribution.
- 6
Arrange and dress
On a large platter or on 4 individual plates, arrange 4 lettuce heads (or sets of leaves) as the base. Scatter pickled apricots (about 2 per serving, or 8 total) over the leaves. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the salad. Distribute the smoked blue cheese crumbles across the lettuces. Drizzle the honey vinaigrette lightly over each portion — about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons per serving (roughly 4–6 tablespoons total).
- 7
Finish and serve
Optional: finish with a light dusting of chopped chives (1 tablespoon total) for color. Serve immediately so the lettuce stays crisp. Offer extra vinaigrette and additional blue cheese on the side.