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Butter Lettuce Salad served in a white bowl next to a colorful napkin.

Butter Lettuce Salad

This simple side salad is easy to make and perfect for pairing with any meal!
Prep Time25 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 87kcal
Author: Ginnie Leeming

Ingredients

For Pickled Onions:

  • ½ cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

For Dressing:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

For Salad:

  • 2 heads butter lettuce
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 3 radishes, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare Pickled Onions:

  • Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a mason jar or small bowl.
  • Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, or until hot. Then stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  • Add red onions, then press down so they're covered in the vinegar mixture. Cover and set aside.

Prepare Dressing:

  • Combine sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, sugar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Stir in chives and dill. Then season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and / or lemon juice if needed. Set aside.

Assemble Salad:

  • Remove stem end from lettuce (if attached), then separate leaves. Gently tear into bite-sized pieces, then wash and dry (use a salad spinner for best results).
  • Place lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and ¼ cup pickled onions (well drained) in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing, then gently toss until everything is well mixed and evenly coated in dressing.
  • Season salad with additional salt and pepper (if needed), then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

I recommend making the onions in advance. They'll taste best if they have at least one hour to pickle. Use the leftover on tacos, sandwiches, other salads, and more.
If you have leftover herbs after making the dressing, sprinkle them over the finished salad before serving.
Make sure to read the info before this recipe card for helpful tips, recipe variations, serving suggestions, and more!