This Garden Lettuce Dressing is super easy to make with just three ingredients. Toss with your favorite fresh garden lettuce for a refreshing summer side dish!
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When we moved into our new home this spring, I was worried I was going to be too late to plant a garden. And being so last minute, I figured I'd keep the garden fairly small this first year and test out my green thumb.
I chose just a few different vegetables, but the first one I picked was some Black Seeded Simpson leaf lettuce. Sound like a lame pick?? Ok, maybe, but it'll always go down as my favorite garden produce when paired with this super easy, three-ingredient dressing! Give it a try and you'll see why I'll never NOT plant some lettuce!
Ingredients for Garden Lettuce Dressing
- White sugar
- Vinegar - I like to use simple white distilled vinegar, but you could also try apple cider or red wine vinegar
- Cream or Half & Half - I just use whatever I've got on hand! Cream is absolutely delightful and rich, but half & half is fewer calories and is just as yummy!
What's the best leaf lettuce to grow in the garden?
I really like Black Seeded Simpson. It's easy to grow and produces a very soft, tender lettuce perfect for this dressing. I'm sure there are other varieties that would work great too, just make sure it's a tender leaf lettuce, rather than a super crisp lettuce.
When is lettuce ready to harvest?
It depends on the variety you plant, but Black Seeded Simpson takes about 45 days to mature. It's best to pick (or rather cut) the lettuce before it reaches full maturity. When it's about 6-10 inches tall, it'll be soft, curly and tender. If it gets too much larger than that, it'll become thick and bitter.
How to Store Garden Lettuce
When I cut lettuce out of the garden, I like to wash it and prepare it for the fridge right away. I wash each leaf, then dry it in a salad spinner. Next, I'll grab a large bowl, line it with paper towels and loosely place the lettuce in the bowl, adding additional paper towels throughout. This keeps it dry and keeps it from wilting. Store in the fridge for 5-7 days.
My Other Favorite Salads & Dressings
Balsamic Vinaigrette - This quick and easy balsamic vinaigrette is full of flavor – so good that you’ll never buy store bought again!
Cranberry Pecan Salad - Drizzled with the homemade raspberry vinaigrette, this salad is vibrant and full of flavor!
Hot Bacon Salad Dressing - You can never go wrong with this one - then again, isn't anything with a little bacon better?!
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Garden Lettuce Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ c sugar
- ¼ c vinegar
- ½ c cream OR half & half
Instructions
- In a small jar, shake together the sugar and vinegar.
- Add the cream OR half and half and shake until combined.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Toss with fresh garden lettuce and serve immediately.
Nancy Macklin says
An oldie but a goodie!
Judy says
I have loved this since I was a child.
kelsey says
Me too!!! It's such a nostalgic recipe for me! 🙂 -Kelsey