Boston Bibb Salad Recipe
Baby Bibb Lettuce, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Burrata, Ranch Dressing
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Ingredients
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Salad
Ranch Dressing
Optional Garnish / Serve
Method
Ranch Dressing
Make the dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise and 0.25 cup sour cream until smooth. Stir in 0.25 cup buttermilk until combined and slightly loose. Add 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, 1 tsp finely chopped dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon juice, 0.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.25 tsp kosher salt, and 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — add up to 2 tbsp additional buttermilk if you prefer a thinner dressing. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Salad
Prepare lettuce
Gently separate and wash the 8 oz baby Bibb leaves in cold water. Spin or blot dry thoroughly so leaves are crisp and not soggy. Tear any very large leaves into bite-sized pieces, keeping smaller leaves whole for presentation.
Prepare tomatoes and onion
Halve the 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes (or quarter very large cherries). Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons, then soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite; drain and pat dry. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the tomato halves for plating accents if desired.
Assemble salad
Arrange the Bibb leaves on a large platter or divide evenly among 4 appetizer plates (serves 4). Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and drained red onion evenly over the lettuce. Gently place the 8 oz burrata in the center of the platter or tear into 4 pieces and distribute one piece per plate, keeping the creamy interior intact as much as possible.
Dress and finish
Drizzle 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice over the salad. Spoon 2–3 tbsp of the prepared ranch dressing over the burrata and around the salad, or serve the dressing on the side. Sprinkle 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper evenly. Optionally scatter 2 tsp toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts and a pinch (0.125 tsp) of cracked red pepper flakes for texture and a little heat.
Serve
Serve immediately so the Bibb stays crisp and the burrata remains creamy. If plated for a larger group, keep extra dressing chilled and add just before serving.