Stuffed Iceberg Salad Recipes

STUFFED ICEBERG WEDGES

Steps:

• Remove core from the head of lettuce. Carefully hollow out lettuce, leaving a 3/4-in. shell (save removed lettuce for another use). , In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and curry powder. Add the cheese, ham, celery, parsley and pimientos; mix well. Spoon into lettuce shell. Tightly wrap in plastic; refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Cut into wedges. Serve with salad dressing.

CHOPPED ICEBERG SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK DRESSING AND CRISPY CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• For the onions: To pickle the onions, bring the vinegar, sugar, a pinch of salt and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Put the onions in a small heatproof bowl and pour the pickling liquid over them. Let the onions cool to room temperature on the counter. Transfer to a resealable container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• For the buttermilk dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk and mayonnaise. Add the dill, hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, garlic and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. If too thick, add a splash of more buttermilk or water to adjust.
• For the chickpeas: Pour the oil into a small, heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat until it registers 350 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer. Fit a baking sheet with a wire rack.
• Season the chickpeas with the paprika and salt and pepper to taste. Using a slotted spoon, drop half of the chickpeas into the hot oil and fry until browned and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the fried chickpeas with the slotted spoon to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chickpeas.
• For the salad: Spread the iceberg lettuce on a baking sheet and season liberally with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the dressing and follow with a layer of the scallions. Top with the pickled onions (drained of their liquid) and the crispy chickpeas. Season to taste.

STUFFED ICEBERG SALAD

Steps:

• Remove and discard core from lettuce. Place lettuce core side down and cut in half with a plastic lettuce knife from top to bottom (save one half for another use). With knife, remove enough leaves from the center of the cut side of lettuce to create a 2-in. circle, about 1-1/4 in. deep., In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and curry powder. Stir in the cheese, ham, celery, parsley and pimientos. Spoon into center of lettuce. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until serving. Cut in half, forming two wedges. Serve with salad dressing.

CRUNCHY SPRING ICEBERG SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the salad: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the frozen peas and asparagus, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the asparagus and peas are bright green and crisp tender. Drain and run under cold water until they are cold. Leave to drain.
• Prepare the lettuce: Run a sharp paring knife around the core and gently pull it out. Remove the outer layer of the lettuce and discard. Tear the lettuce into large chunks. Wash the leaves and allow them to dry in a colander. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Prepare the spicy cilantro yogurt: To a blender or small food processor, add the yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and 1 jalapeño. Blitz until smooth. (Add a teaspoon of water at a time to get the mixture moving in the blender if necessary.) Taste and add the second jalapeño if you would like it spicier.
• Serve as one large salad or divide among four individual serving plates: Add the lettuce chunks to the plate, and scatter the asparagus and peas on top and around the lettuce. Spoon the spicy cilantro yogurt all over the vegetables, dot with feta and squeeze the juice from the lemon half over everything. Season with salt and black pepper, and top with a few cilantro leaves.