Gem Lettuce Recipe

Prepare lettuce

Wipe each gem lettuce head with a damp cloth, trim the stem end slightly to separate leaves if desired, and then halve lengthwise through the core. If heads are large, quarter them. Place cut-side down on paper towels to drain briefly.

Slice radishes

Trim radish tops and roots. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice radishes very thin (about 1–2 mm) into rounds. Place in a small bowl and set aside.

Prepare avocado

Halve the avocado, remove the pit, score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern without cutting through the skin, then scoop out slices with a spoon. Toss the slices gently in a small bowl with a light squeeze of lemon (reserved for dressing) or a few drops of olive oil to prevent browning.

Assemble salad

Arrange the halved gem lettuces on a large platter cut-side up or toss the leaves in a large bowl if you prefer mixed salad. Distribute avocado slices and radish rounds evenly over the lettuces. Sprinkle the crumbled feta across the top. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the composed salad and finish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Hold dressing separately or proceed to dress just before serving.

Combine ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons buttermilk, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar until smooth.

Add herbs and aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped chives, parsley, dill, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add 1 teaspoon honey or agave.

Season and adjust consistency: Season with 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness with an additional 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or honey as needed. If the dressing is too thick, thin with up to 1 tablespoon cold water or additional buttermilk to reach a pourable consistency.

Rest and serve: Let the dressing sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Shake or whisk briefly before using.

Dress the salad: Right before serving, drizzle dressing evenly over the assembled gem lettuces, radishes, avocado, and feta (use about half the dressing and serve extra on the side). Gently toss or serve as composed halves with dressing spooned over. Finish with an extra grind of black pepper if desired.