Blue Cheese Lemon Artichoke Salad 🥗
Overview:
Indulge in the tangy zest of lemon paired with the creamy richness of blue cheese in this refreshing Blue Cheese Lemon Artichoke Salad. With crisp bibb lettuce and tender artichoke hearts, it’s a burst of flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s so easy to make, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or a delightful appetizer. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 4 cups bibb lettuce
- 1 cup lemon sherbet
- Artichoke hearts for garnish
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 136.3
- Fat: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 6.3mg
- Sodium: 151.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.7g
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2.6g
Instructions:
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. | Soften lemon sherbet; mix crumbled blue cheese with sherbet. |
2. | Pour mixture into unpartitioned refrigerator tray and freeze until firm. |
3. | Place bibb lettuce on plates and just before serving spoon lemon-cheese mixture onto lettuce. |
4. | Garnish with artichoke hearts. |
5. | Serve immediately. |
Detailed Instructions:
-
Soften Lemon Sherbet: Start by allowing the lemon sherbet to soften slightly. You want it to be easy to mix but not melted.
-
Mix with Blue Cheese: In a bowl, combine the softened lemon sherbet with the crumbled blue cheese. The tangy lemon flavor will complement the richness of the blue cheese perfectly, creating a delightful dressing for your salad.
-
Freeze the Mixture: Transfer the lemon-cheese mixture into an unpartitioned refrigerator tray and spread it out evenly. Place the tray in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze until firm. This step ensures that the dressing holds its shape when spooned onto the lettuce.
-
Prepare the Lettuce: While the mixture is freezing, prepare the bibb lettuce by washing and drying it thoroughly. Bibb lettuce is known for its tender leaves and mild flavor, making it the perfect base for this salad.
-
Assemble the Salad: Once the lemon-cheese mixture is firm, take it out of the freezer. Place a generous portion of bibb lettuce on each plate.
-
Add the Lemon-Cheese Mixture: Just before serving, spoon the frozen lemon-cheese mixture onto the bed of bibb lettuce. The contrast between the cold, creamy dressing and the crisp lettuce leaves will tantalize your taste buds.
-
Garnish with Artichoke Hearts: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, garnish each salad with artichoke hearts. These tender, briny hearts add a touch of elegance to the dish.
-
Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after garnishing with the artichoke hearts. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this Blue Cheese Lemon Artichoke Salad with a crusty baguette for a light lunch or a starter for a dinner party.
- For added protein, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and complexity.
Tips:
- Make sure the blue cheese is well-crumbled for even distribution throughout the dressing.
- If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can blend the lemon sherbet and blue cheese together until smooth before freezing.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite toppings, such as nuts, dried fruits, or crispy bacon.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy preparation, this Blue Cheese Lemon Artichoke Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a light and refreshing meal, this salad ticks all the boxes. Try it today and prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary!