Butter Lettuce with Maytag Blue Cheese Salad: A Modern Classic
Move over, tired iceberg wedge! This exquisite butter lettuce salad, featuring the distinctive tang of Maytag blue cheese, is a refreshing and sophisticated reimagining of a beloved classic. It transcends the ordinary, offering a delicate balance of creamy richness, vibrant acidity, and herbaceous notes. With the subtle aromatic lift from fresh shallots, tarragon, and chervil, this salad doesn’t just “amp it up”—it elevates it to an entirely new level of culinary delight.
As Andrew Swallow aptly puts it, this salad is his unequivocal choice for a starter, every single time. “The blue cheese is creamy and sharp, rich and fresh, and the dressing has a little bit of heat from the whole-grain mustard. Classic.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what makes this salad so compelling. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes, where the coolness of the lettuce meets the robust complexity of the blue cheese, all brought together by a dressing that is both invigorating and comforting. It’s a dish that promises to awaken the palate and set the stage for any meal, leaving a lasting impression with its thoughtful combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
What sets this butter lettuce and Maytag blue cheese salad apart is its commitment to quality and nuanced flavor profiles. Unlike its often-heavy predecessor, the iceberg wedge salad, this rendition opts for the delicate embrace of butter lettuce. Its soft, pliable leaves provide a gentle canvas for the vibrant components, absorbing the dressing beautifully without succumbing to sogginess. This choice of lettuce alone signals a departure from the ordinary, promising a more refined and enjoyable eating experience.
The star of the show, of course, is the Maytag blue cheese. Hailing from Iowa, this artisanal blue cheese is renowned for its crumbly texture, creamy undertones, and distinctly pungent, yet approachable, flavor. It offers a glorious counterpoint to the sweetness of the lettuce and the tang of the dressing. Each bite delivers a delightful burst of salty, savory richness that is both bold and remarkably fresh. This isn’t just a cheese; it’s a character in a carefully composed culinary narrative, providing depth and an unforgettable finish.
Butter Lettuce with Maytag Blue Cheese
Recipe by David Leite
Salad, Starter
American
4
servings
242
kcal
15 minutes
15 minutes
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup pear or champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the salad
- 2 heads butter lettuce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Maytag blue cheese*, crumbled
- 4 shallots, finely diced
- Leaves from 1 bunch tarragon, roughly chopped
- Leaves from 1 bunch chervil, roughly chopped
Instructions
Make the dressing
-
Combine the vinegar, minced shallots, and whole-grain mustard in a blender. Begin blending on a low speed. With the motor running, gradually add the olive oil, starting with a few drops at a time to ensure proper emulsification, then slowly increasing to a thin, steady stream. Continue blending until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and creamy. Repeat this process with the grapeseed oil. Once both oils are incorporated, season the dressing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for optimal flavor.
Assemble the salad
-
Gently wash the butter lettuce heads under cool running water, being careful not to bruise the delicate leaves. Thoroughly dry the lettuce using a salad spinner or by patting with clean paper towels. Separate the leaves and, for each individual serving, place about 5 large leaves into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with approximately 2 tablespoons of the freshly prepared dressing. Toss the lettuce lightly to ensure each leaf is evenly coated. Taste a dressed leaf and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
-
Arrange the dressed butter lettuce leaves artfully on individual serving plates, stacking them from largest at the bottom to smallest at the top to create an appealing presentation. Evenly sprinkle each stack with about 2 tablespoons of crumbled Maytag blue cheese. Follow with 1 tablespoon of finely diced shallot, 1 teaspoon of fresh tarragon leaves, and 1 teaspoon of fresh chervil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the peak freshness and vibrant flavors of this exceptional salad.
Notes
*What can I substitute for Maytag blue cheese?
If sourcing authentic Maytag blue cheese proves challenging, don’t fret! As the chef wisely suggests, delightful alternatives are readily available. Gorgonzola, with its milder, creamier profile, or the more intensely piquant Roquefort, offer excellent substitutions that will still deliver a remarkable blue cheese experience, each adding its own unique character to the salad. Experiment to find your favorite!
The Art of the Dressing
The dressing for this butter lettuce salad is far from an afterthought; it is a meticulously crafted component that harmonizes all the flavors. The foundation begins with your choice of vinegar—pear or champagne vinegar. These lighter, often fruitier vinegars provide a gentler acidity compared to harsher red wine vinegars, ensuring that the dressing brightens the salad without overwhelming the delicate butter lettuce or the bold blue cheese. The finely minced shallot infuses a mild, aromatic onion flavor, a more refined alternative to raw garlic or onion, adding depth without bite.
A key player in the dressing’s success is the whole-grain mustard. Beyond its characteristic tang, it contributes a subtle heat and a wonderful textural element, thanks to the mustard seeds. This not only adds a pleasant warmth but also aids in the emulsification process, helping to bind the vinegar and oils into a smooth, cohesive dressing. The combination of extra-virgin olive oil, chosen for its rich, fruity notes, and neutral grapeseed oil ensures a perfectly balanced mouthfeel and flavor. The olive oil provides character, while the grapeseed oil ensures the dressing remains light and doesn’t become too heavy or greasy, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
The Power of Fresh Herbs: Tarragon and Chervil
What truly elevates this butter lettuce and Maytag blue cheese salad from good to extraordinary are the fresh herbs: tarragon and chervil. These aren’t mere garnishes; they are integral flavor components that introduce layers of sophistication and freshness. Tarragon, with its distinct anise or licorice-like flavor, provides an elegant, slightly peppery warmth that is both unexpected and utterly delightful. It pairs exceptionally well with the creamy, sharp notes of blue cheese, creating a bridge between the savory and fresh elements.
Chervil, often described as a more delicate cousin to parsley, offers a subtle, faintly anise-like taste that is milder than tarragon but equally impactful. Its gentle, refreshing flavor acts as a perfect complement, adding a whisper of herbaceous sweetness that cleanses the palate. Together, tarragon and chervil bring a vibrant, aromatic dimension that transforms the salad into a truly gourmet experience. The freshness of these herbs is paramount, so be sure to use them at their peak for the best results, finely chopping them just before serving to release their full aromatic potential.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this butter lettuce and Maytag blue cheese salad shines brightly as an elegant starter, its versatility extends far beyond the appetizer course. Its balanced profile makes it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of main dishes. Imagine it alongside a perfectly grilled Porterhouse steak, where the creamy, sharp blue cheese dressing cuts through the richness of the meat, and the fresh herbs provide a refreshing counterpoint. It’s also fantastic with roasted chicken, pan-seared fish, or even a simple pasta dish, adding a burst of freshness and complex flavor.
For a lighter meal, consider serving this salad as a substantial lunch. You could add some grilled shrimp, thinly sliced prosciutto, or toasted walnuts for extra protein and texture. Its quick preparation time of just 15 minutes makes it an excellent choice for weeknight meals when you crave something gourmet without a lengthy cooking process. Always serve this salad immediately after assembly to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and the dressing and herbs are at their freshest.
Adapted From
Mixt Salads: The Cookbook, featuring a collection of vibrant and flavorful salad recipes.
Buy On Amazon
What Our Recipe Testers Say
At Leite’s Culinaria, our recipes are rigorously tested to ensure perfection. This Butter Lettuce with Maytag Blue Cheese Salad has consistently garnered rave reviews from our panel of expert recipe testers, highlighting its unique appeal and flawless execution.
Tracey G.
Tracey G. enthusiastically shares her experience: “This salad is a great study in layering a few flavors to create something that is way more than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient plays a critical role in making this salad so delicious—the crunch of the shallot, the zing from the mustard, the savory of the blue cheese. Yet it’s really the herbs, particularly the tarragon, that make this salad so wonderful. You could serve this as a side dish to a grilled Porterhouse steak. Absolutely worth a try.” Her insights underscore the thoughtful composition of this dish, where every component contributes to a harmonious and memorable experience. The interplay of textures, from the tender lettuce to the crumbly cheese and the crisp shallots, alongside the dynamic flavors, truly makes this salad a standout.
Our testers consistently praise the dressing’s perfect emulsification and the way it clings to the delicate butter lettuce without weighing it down. The pungent yet balanced Maytag blue cheese is always a highlight, providing a sophisticated counterpoint to the fresh greens. Many testers noted how easy it was to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both casual weeknight dinners and more elegant entertaining. The unanimous verdict? This salad is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their salad game and experience a truly exceptional flavor combination.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving:
1 portion
Calories:
242 kcal
Carbohydrates:
5 g
Protein:
6 g
Fat:
22 g
Saturated Fat:
5 g
Cholesterol:
13 mg
Sodium:
288 mg
Fiber:
2 g
Sugar:
1 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations may occur based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Tried this recipe?
Mention @leitesculinaria or tag #leitesculinaria on social media!