Bibb lettuce salad is an ideal, uncomplicated side for any meal. Tossed with a light Dijon vinaigrette, fresh chives and crisp radishes, this quick and easy salad highlights the delicate texture of butter lettuce.
Also called butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, Bibb has soft, tender leaves and a mild flavor. It makes a lovely spring side that pairs especially well with salmon, chicken or quiche.
This simple Bibb lettuce salad works great for weeknight dinners or as a base for a protein like chicken kabobs. The recipe is gluten free and dairy free.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- What is Bibb Lettuce?
- How to Make
- Substitutions and Additions
- Shallot Vinaigrette
- How to Serve
- Storage Suggestions
- Salad Recipes
- Simple Bibb Lettuce Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce – 2–3 heads, depending on size.
- Chives – fresh, snipped.
- Radishes – thinly sliced for crunch.
- Olive oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Shallot – minced, about one tablespoon.
- Honey – adds a touch of sweetness and helps the dressing emulsify.
- Vinegar – distilled white vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Dijon mustard – choose a brand you prefer; whole grain mustard also works.
What is Bibb Lettuce?
Butterhead, Boston or Bibb lettuce is prized for its tender, buttery leaves. Because the leaves are delicate, tearing them at the stem preserves their appearance for serving. Pairing Bibb with crisp elements like radish creates a pleasant contrast of textures.
You’ll typically find heads of Bibb lettuce in clear clamshells near bagged greens, or loose in the fresh produce section.
How to Make
Step 1: Wash and dry vegetables
Remove the leaves from the stem, keeping them whole. Rinse gently and dry with a towel or in a salad spinner. Prepare the chives and slice the radishes thinly.
Step 2: Make the Dijon vinaigrette
Whisk together the vinegar, Dijon and honey, then stir in the minced shallot. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Step 3: Dress the salad
Gently toss the leaves with 2–3 tablespoons of dressing, adding more to taste. Arrange the dressed leaves on a platter, scatter the snipped chives and radish slices over the top, and finish with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Substitutions and Additions
- Substitute iceberg or romaine if you prefer a crisper base.
- Add crumbled goat cheese for creaminess.
- Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds add extra crunch and flavor.
- Swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing if desired.
Shallot Vinaigrette
This light shallot vinaigrette combines vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey and olive oil for a bright, balanced dressing that complements many side salads. It’s refreshing and easy to make.
If you prefer a different flavor profile, the salad also pairs well with creamy herb dressings or a simple Italian vinaigrette.
How to Serve
This Bibb lettuce salad is best served as a simple side, but it also makes an attractive bed for grilled or roasted proteins. It complements dishes ranging from pasta to pork or salmon. For a light meal, serve it alongside a quiche or add sliced chicken or seared salmon on top.
Storage Suggestions
To make ahead, wash and dry the leaves, then store them in a bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture for 2–3 days. Keep the vinaigrette refrigerated for up to a week. Store salad and dressing separately and dress just before serving for best texture.
Salad Recipes
Salad
Apple Fennel Salad
Recipes
Spring Caprese Salad without Tomatoes
Salad
Pear and Rocket Salad
Salmon
Seared Salmon Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
If you enjoy this recipe, please leave a review and tag your photos to show how you served it.
Simple Bibb Lettuce Salad
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
Butter lettuce salad
- 2-3 heads butter lettuce (or bibb lettuce)
- 1 bunch fresh chives
- 5-6 radish, sliced thin
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Dijon vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
-
Trim butter lettuce leaves from the stem, keeping them whole. Wash gently and pat dry or use a salad spinner.
-
In a bowl combine vinegar, Dijon and honey. Stir in the shallot, then slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and combined.
-
Toss the leaves with 2–3 tablespoons of dressing, adding more if needed. Arrange on a serving platter, top with chives and radish, and season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Butter lettuce is also labeled Boston or Bibb at grocery stores.
- Try adding crumbled goat cheese and toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
- Fresh chives are recommended for the best flavor.
- White wine vinegar can substitute for distilled white vinegar if preferred.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!