Lettuce With Sweet Oxyporum Dressing

This refreshing lettuce salad is dressed with a unique and flavorful vinaigrette that balances sweet, tangy, and earthy notes. The dressing combines honey, white vinegar, and liquamen (a fermented fish sauce substitute) for depth, while ground cumin, ginger, and optional fresh rue add aromatic warmth. Pitted dates are mashed into the mixture, providing natural sweetness and a subtle fibrous texture that clings beautifully to the crisp iceberg lettuce. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side salad for a summer meal. It is vegan-friendly if you substitute the liquamen with a soy or tamari base, though traditional liquamen adds a distinct umami punch. Simple to assemble, this salad highlights the crunch of fresh lettuce against a complex, savory-sweet dressing.

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Sauces & Condiments

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 29.3

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This refreshing lettuce salad is dressed with a unique and flavorful vinaigrette that balances sweet, tangy, and earthy notes. The dressing combines honey, white vinegar, and liquamen (a fermented fish sauce substitute) for depth, while ground cumin, ginger, and optional fresh rue add aromatic warmth. Pitted dates are mashed into the mixture, providing natural sweetness and a subtle fibrous texture that clings beautifully to the crisp iceberg lettuce. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side salad for a summer meal. It is vegan-friendly if you substitute the liquamen with a soy or tamari base, though traditional liquamen adds a distinct umami punch. Simple to assemble, this salad highlights the crunch of fresh lettuce against a complex, savory-sweet dressing.

Ingredients

1 Head Iceberg lettuce
1/3 cup Honey
3 tablespoons White vinegar
1 teaspoon Cumin seed, ground
1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
1 tablespoon Liquamen (or soy sauce substitute)
1/2 teaspoon Fresh rue, chopped (optional)
2 Pitted Dates
1/4 teaspoon Ground pepper

Directions

1
Wash the iceberg lettuce thoroughly and dry completely using a salad spinner or paper towels.
2
Cut or tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
3
In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, ground ginger, fresh rue (if using), and ground pepper.
4
Add the honey, white vinegar, and liquamen to the spice mixture.
5
Take the pitted dates and mash them thoroughly with your fingers or a fork until they break down into small fibers.
6
Stir the mashed dates into the dressing mixture until well combined.
7
Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat evenly.
8
Serve immediately while the lettuce is still crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 29.3kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.7g2%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.5mg1%
Sodium 8.1mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 5.1g2%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 2.5g5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Best served immediately. If storing, keep the dressing separate from the lettuce to prevent wilting.

Substitution: Liquamen is a Roman fermented fish sauce. For a vegetarian option, use soy sauce or tamari. For a vegan option, ensure the honey is substituted with agave or maple syrup.

Tip: Fresh rue has a strong, bitter flavor. Use sparingly and only if you enjoy its distinctive taste. It can be omitted if unavailable.

Variation: Try adding 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda to the dressing for a slight effervescent texture, as suggested in traditional variations.

Keywords: lettuce, dressing, dates, cumin, ginger, vinegar, honey, liquamen, rue, salad, vegetarian, crisp, tangy, sweet, aromatic, fresh, side dish

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/lettuce-with-sweet-oxyporum-dressing/