Refreshing Salad with Yogurt Dressing

This ice lettuce salad is a delicious and refreshing dish perfect for any time of the year. It's a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, fresh cucumbers, and tangy radishes, complemented by the mild bite of green onions and aromatic dill. The salad is brought together with a creamy dressing made from natural yogurt, offering a light yet satisfying flavor. You can enhance the creaminess by adding a bit of sour cream if you prefer. A pinch of salt ties all the elements together, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Ideal as a side dish, this salad pairs beautifully with boiled potatoes and meat dishes. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for a healthy lunch or as part of a festive meal. Not only is it tasty, but it's also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your diet. Enjoy this delightful salad with friends and family for a refreshing culinary experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Ice lettuce leaves
• Fresh cucumbers
• Radishes
• Green onions
• Dill

Dressing

• Natural yogurt (plain)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Begin by washing the ice lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
2. Tear the Lettuce: Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
3. Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly. Add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
4. Prepare the Radishes: Rinse the radishes under cold water. Cut off the ends and slice them thinly. Add the radishes to the salad bowl.
5. Chop the Green Onions: Wash the green onions and trim the roots. Slice them finely and scatter over the salad.
6. Add the Dill: Chop the fresh dill finely and sprinkle it over the salad for a burst of flavor.
7. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the natural yogurt with a pinch of salt. If using, add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.
8. Combine the Ingredients: Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients until they are well coated.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or yogurt to your liking.
10. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 15 minutes for the flavors to meld together.
11. Pairing Suggestions: This salad goes wonderfully with boiled potatoes and various meat dishes.
12. Keep It Fresh: If you are not serving immediately, store the salad in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
13. Texture Matters: For a crunchy texture, make sure not to over-dress the salad.
14. Make It Creamier: You can adjust the creaminess by varying the amount of yogurt and sour cream according to your preference.
15. Adjust for Spice: Add black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes for a little spice.
16. Experiment: Feel free to add or substitute other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or avocados for variation.
17. Customization: Add nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
18. Impress Guests: Serve in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
19. For a Smoother Dressing: Use a whisk to blend the yogurt and sour cream until it's smooth before dressing the salad.
20. Enjoy: Sit back and enjoy the combination of fresh, crisp vegetables and creamy yogurt dressing.

Tips

• Adjust the Dressing: Use more or less yogurt depending on your taste preference.
• Fresh is Best: Ensure all vegetables are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Substitution: Greek yogurt can be used instead of regular yogurt for a thicker texture.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep the salad fresh if not served immediately.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 120 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt.
• Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or tofu for a more filling meal.
• Extra Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• With Potatoes: Complements boiled or roasted potatoes perfectly.
• Meat Pairing: Excellent alongside grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
• Garnish: Garnish with lemon zest for an extra citrusy kick.

Best Places

1. The Salad Project - A modern eatery serving fresh, high-quality salads and yogurt dishes. Location: 4 New Inn Yard, London, UK.
2. Greenhouse by Joost - Known for plant-based salads in a sustainable setting. Location: 685 Richmond Rd, Richmond, Australia.
3. Chopped - Famous for custom-made salads with various fresh ingredients. Location: 47-48 Suffolk St, Dublin, Ireland.
4. Sweetgreen - A popular spot for flavorful and healthy salads. Location: 3150 M St NW, Washington, DC, USA.
5. Blend & Batch - Offers unique salad and smoothie combinations. Location: 42 High St, Bangor, UK.
6. Funky Greens - Delicious salads with a twist in flavors. Location: Clemenceau St, Beirut, Lebanon.
7. The Little Beet - Fast-casual spot offering a variety of healthy dishes. Location: 1114 Ave of the Americas, New York, NY, USA.
8. Salad Box - Offers enjoyable salads with Romanian delicacy. Location: Strada Grigore Alexandrescu, Bucharest, Romania.
9. Chalchitra Cafe - Fuses classic salads with Bollywood themed cafe treats. Location: Dhanmondi 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
10. The Avocado Show - Specializes in avocado-based dishes. Location: Daniël Stalpertstraat 61, Amsterdam, Netherlands.