How to cook with butter lettuce
What's the story
Butter lettuce is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish with its soft texture and mild flavor. Its delicate leaves are perfect for making fresh and healthy meals. From crafting a light salad to a hearty wrap, butter lettuce opens doors to endless possibilities. Here are some delightful recipes that bring out the unique qualities of this leafy green, giving you taste and nutrition in every bite.
Dish 1
Fresh butter lettuce salad with citrus
A refreshing salad can be whipped up by mixing butter lettuce with segments of orange and grapefruit. Add thinly sliced red onions for a bit of sharpness. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This combination not only highlights the crispness of the lettuce but also brings out the sweetness of the citrus fruits, making it an ideal starter or side dish.
Dish 2
Butter lettuce wraps with avocado
For a quick lunch option, use butter lettuce leaves as wraps filled with mashed avocado, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest. These wraps are not only easy to prepare but also give you a nutritious alternative to traditional bread-based sandwiches, packed with plenty of vitamins and healthy fats.
Dish 3
Grilled vegetable butter lettuce cups
Grill your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms till tender. Put them in butter lettuce cups with crumbled feta cheese for more flavor. The grilled vegetables lend an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the smooth texture of butter lettuce, while adding depth to this simple yet satisfying dish.
Dish 4
Butter lettuce pesto pasta salad
Combine cooked pasta with homemade pesto sauce made from basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil blended together until smooth. Toss in some chopped butter lettuce just before serving to keep it fresh. This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks where you want something light yet filling without compromising on taste.
Tip 1
Tips for storing butter lettuce
To keep butter lettuce fresh longer after purchase from market or store, remove any damaged outer leaves first. Then gently wash under cold water and pat dry using paper towels. Wrap loosely inside a damp cloth, place inside a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator crisper drawer to ensure optimal freshness for up to five days. Remember to avoid overcrowding to allow air circulation and prevent wilting and spoilage.