Baby Romaine & Butter Leaf Salad with Pickled Red Onion + Lemon Vinaigrette

A fresh, elegant salad that sings of spring—perfect alongside roasted pork, brunch spreads, or al fresco dinners.

This vibrant, herb-kissed salad is a seasonal showstopper. Tender baby romaine, buttery greens, creamy avocado, and a bright lemon vinaigrette come together with pickled red onions and crunchy pistachios to create a dish that’s both refined and refreshing. It’s the kind of salad that belongs on a sun-dappled table with everything from roasted meats to springtime quiches.

Ingredients

Pickled Onions:

• 1 medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

• ½ cup red wine vinegar

• ¼ cup water

Lemon Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, finely grated

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Salad:

• 2 heads baby romaine gems, ends removed and leaves separated

• 1 small head butter leaf lettuce, torn

• ½ cup fresh basil and mint leaves, torn or left whole

• 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced

• ¼ cup roasted, roughly chopped pistachios

Instructions

1. Pickle the Onions

In a small bowl, combine the sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, and water. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to mellow and infuse. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Lemon Vinaigrette

In a jar or small bowl, whisk (or shake) together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified. Add the fresh herbs and stir gently to combine.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl or platter, gently arrange the baby romaine leaves. Toss lightly with the torn butter leaf. Layer on the avocado slices and pickled onions.

4. Dress and Finish

Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving and toss lightly to coat. Sprinkle with roasted pistachios and finish with a few cracks of fresh pepper.

Serving Notes

This salad makes a stunning side dish to:

• Pork à l’Orange

• Springtime brunch boards

• Grilled fish or chicken

• Lemon ricotta tart or quiche

Elegant, effortless, and brimming with fresh flavor—it’s the perfect green to celebrate the season.