This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I think every dinner party needs a perfectly simple green salad. This recipe is a variation on my very viral Arugula Fennel Salad except here I am using butter lettuce and fennel with delicious aged manchego and it makes it that much better. The dressing is the true star here and you will be hooked. This dish so simple but the taste is EPIC.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Butter Lettuce Salad
Butter lettuce gets its name from its tender, almost buttery, texture. It pair perfectly with the crispy shaved fennel. The aged manchego brings a nutty, salty edge to the salad. But the main attraction in this dish is the dressing. If I am having you over I am making you this dressing on whatever salad I make because I have never had anyone not LOVE it. The tang of the dijon mixed with the slight sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the lemon all wrapped together with olive oil, it’s divinity!
How To Prepare Butter Lettuce Salad
🍯 Grate your manchego and add it to a bowl. Zest of 1 lemon and add that to the bowl along with the juice of both lemons, honey, dijon, salt (I use Peg’s Seasoning Salt) and olive oil. Whisk really well. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Adjust for taste, i.e. it might want more olive oil or more lemon. If you are making this ahead you can refrigerate it in an airtight container at this point.
🍋 Shave the fennel and squeeze a bit of lemon on to it so it doesn’t turn brown.
🥣 Add the butter lettuce leaves and fennel to a bowl. Gently massage the dressing in, adding as much or as little as you want. Shave more parmigiano on top and add fresh ground black pepper.
♥️ And that is it, subscribe for more!
Substitutions for Butter Lettuce Salad
- Arugula is another really good choice for this recipe. You can also use a spring mix or whatever lettuce makes you happy.
- Manchego cheese can be swapped out with parmigiano reggiano.
- You can use your grainy mustard of choice instead of dijon.
Variations for Butter Lettuce Salad
- Protein Variation: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, sliced meats or even chickpeas to make this a meal on it’s own!
- Fruit Variation: Thinly sliced apples, pears or oranges with add a bright sweet pop to this salad.
- Nut Variation: Toasted almonds, walnuts or pine nuts will add a delicious nutty crunch that will go great with this salad.
🔥Chef Nadia’s Tip🔥
Massage the dressing in instead of just pouring it on top. Trust me, it just tastes better.
Recipes That Pairs with Butter Lettuce Salad
Common Questions
The dressing will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Make sure you store it in an airtight container and give it a good shake before using because the ingredients will separate a bit.
Sliced apples or pears would go great. Some toasted nuts or thinly sliced onion would also be delicious.
A mandolin works really well at getting consistent thin slices, but you can use a knife to slice it as well.
I bought mine at Target. They are sold out a lot so I’ll link one on Amazon that’s very similar. This Cheese Grater holds more cheese which is nice if you’re making pizzas or grating cheese for a bigger recipe.
Butter Lettuce and Fennel with Manchego Salad
Equipment
- 1 cheese grater
- 1 whisk
- 1 mandelin or knife
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
Dressing
- ⅓ cup freshly grated 12 month aged manchego, + more for shaving over the salad
- 1-2 lemons + zest
- 1 ½ tsp honey
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- salt to taste, I used Peg's Seasoned Salt
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Salad
- 4 ½ oz container of butter lettuce
- 1 fennel, shaved
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste for topping
Instructions
Dressing
- Add grated manchego to a bowl with the zest of 1 lemon, the juice of both lemons, honey, dijon, salt and olive oil. Whisk really well. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Adjust for taste, i.e. it might want more olive oil or more lemon.
Salad
- Shave the fennel and squeeze a bit of lemon on to it so it doesn’t turn brown.
- Add the butter lettuce leaves and fennel to a bowl. Gently massage the dressing in, adding as much or as little as you want.
- Shave more parmigiano on top as well as fresh ground black pepper and that is it.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
