Romaine Lettuce Salad with Cilantro Dressing: A Verdant Symphony of Freshness

There are certain dishes that, in their utter simplicity, manage to capture the very essence of a season or a place. For me, this Romaine Lettuce Salad with Cilantro Dressing evokes the sun-drenched spirit of Veracruz, Mexico. I first encountered this salad in Zarela Martinez’s cookbook, “Zarela’s Veracruz,” and it was an immediate revelation. It’s not just a salad; it’s a palate cleanser, a vibrant punctuation mark after a rich, complex main course. The crisp, cool romaine, the bright herbaceousness of the cilantro dressing – it’s a dish that sings with freshness and leaves you feeling revitalized, a testament to the power of few, well-chosen ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 large salad
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

For this refreshing salad, we’re focusing on pristine, crisp ingredients to let the flavors shine.

• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, with any ragged outer leaves discarded for optimal freshness and texture.
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and julienned into delicate matchsticks. Any type of cucumber will work beautifully here.
• 4 large celery ribs, trimmed and also julienned to echo the cucumber’s texture.
• 20 fresh cilantro stems, leaves only. Yes, you read that right – we’re using the stems and leaves of the cilantro for maximum flavor intensity in the dressing.

For the vibrant Cilantro Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil (a good quality extra virgin will impart lovely notes)
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar (its bright, slightly fruity acidity is perfect)
• 1/2 small white onion, finely chopped for a subtle bite that blends seamlessly
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste, to enhance all the other flavors
• Freshly ground black pepper, to your preference, adding a touch of warmth

Equipment Needed

This recipe requires minimal equipment, emphasizing its straightforward nature.

• A large bowl for crisping the lettuce
• A salad spinner for thoroughly drying the lettuce
• A blender for creating the smooth, emulsified cilantro dressing
• A large salad bowl for tossing and serving

Instructions

The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity and the focus on freshness. Follow these steps to create a truly invigorating dish.

1. Begin by preparing your ice water bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water – this is crucial for achieving that signature crispness in the romaine.
2. Carefully rinse the romaine lettuce under cold running water. Once clean, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Don’t chop; tearing creates more interesting textures and avoids bruising the leaves.
3. Submerge the torn lettuce into the prepared ice water and allow it to stand for 10 to 15 minutes. This process revitalizes the lettuce, making it incredibly crisp and refreshing.
4. While the lettuce is chilling, prepare your dressing. In a blender, combine the cilantro (both stems and leaves) and the olive oil. Process until you have a smooth, vibrant green puree.
5. To the blender, add the cider vinegar, the finely chopped white onion, the salt, and a generous grinding of fresh black pepper. Blend again until all the ingredients are completely smooth and well combined, creating a beautifully emulsified dressing. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
6. Once the lettuce has crisped, drain it well. The most important step here is to dry the lettuce very thoroughly. A salad spinner is your best friend for this; excess water will dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy. Spin it until the leaves are as dry as possible.
7. In a spacious salad bowl, combine the thoroughly dried romaine lettuce, the julienned cucumber, and the julienned celery.
8. Just before serving, drizzle the prepared cilantro dressing over the salad.
9. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of lettuce, cucumber, and celery is coated in the vibrant dressing.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its peak of freshness and crispness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• The Importance of Drying: I cannot stress enough the importance of thoroughly drying your lettuce. If it’s not bone dry, the dressing will slide right off, and you’ll end up with a watery salad. A good salad spinner is a worthwhile investment for any home cook. If you don’t have one, you can lay the lettuce on clean kitchen towels and gently pat it dry, but it’s a more time-consuming process.
• Cilantro Power: Don’t be afraid of the amount of cilantro called for in the dressing. The stems are packed with flavor, and when blended, they contribute to a wonderfully smooth and potent dressing. If you’re a staunch lover of cilantro, you can even add a few extra sprigs of leaves.
• Vinegar Adjustment: The acidity of cider vinegar can vary. After blending the dressing, give it a taste. If it seems a little too sharp, you can add a tiny splash more olive oil to mellow it out. Conversely, if you want a more pronounced tang, a touch more vinegar can be added.
• Onion Intensity: For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the finely chopped white onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the blender. Drain it well before proceeding.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is best served immediately after tossing to maintain its crisp texture. It’s designed as a refreshing starter or a palate cleanser, perfect alongside richer, more robust dishes like grilled meats, spicy seafood, or even a hearty mole.

If you happen to have any leftovers, store the undressed salad components (lettuce, cucumber, celery) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cilantro dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It may separate slightly; simply whisk it vigorously before dressing the salad. Do not dress the salad ahead of time, as it will wilt and lose its appeal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this vibrant salad:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	197.3 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	18.5 g	28%
Saturated Fat	2.6 g	12%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	435.6 mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate	7.4 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	13%
Sugars	3.2 g	12%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this salad is perfect in its simplicity, there are always ways to tailor it to your preferences:

• Add some crunch: Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or slivered almonds would add a delightful textural contrast.
• A touch of heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, a finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper can be added to the dressing.
• Other crisp vegetables: Thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers can be incorporated alongside the cucumber and celery for added color and flavor.
• Herb variations: While cilantro is key to the traditional flavor profile, a small amount of parsley could be added to the dressing if you find cilantro’s flavor too dominant, though it will alter the signature taste.

FAQs

Q: Why is ice water important for crisping lettuce?
A: The shock of cold water causes the cells in the lettuce to absorb moisture, plumping them up and making the leaves firm and crisp.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cilantro dressing can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to whisk it well before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have a salad spinner?
A: You can dry the lettuce by gently patting it with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. It’s more labor-intensive, but equally effective.

Q: How can I make the onion flavor in the dressing milder?
A: Soaking the finely chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the blender will mellow its sharp flavor.

Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: The components can be prepped and stored separately for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best assembled and dressed just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Romaine Lettuce Salad with Cilantro Dressing is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound flavors come from the simplest preparations and the freshest ingredients. I encourage you to make this salad the next time you’re seeking something bright, clean, and utterly delicious. It’s a fantastic way to welcome spring or to bring a burst of vibrant flavor to any meal. Share it with friends, enjoy the compliments, and savor that incredible, fresh taste.