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–+ servings
a pink platter with creamy little gem lettuce salad and toasted breadcrumbs
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5 from 4 votes

Little Gem Salad with Creamy Cacio e Pepe Dressing

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Salad
Servings: 6
Author: Alex Snodgrass

Ingredients

For the Creamy Cacio e Pepe Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fresh, coarsely ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

For the Panko Breadcrumbs:

  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, such as Aleaia
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Salad:

  • 3-4 heads (about 10 ounces) little gem lettuce, leaves separated
  • 2-2 tablespoons finely grated or shaved Parmesan
  • fresh coarsely ground black pepper, for finishing

Instructions

Make the dressing:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil until smooth. Stir in the cracked black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust, adding a pinch more salt or pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Toast the breadcrumbs:

  • Heat the olive oil in a small skillet set over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring often, until golden and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and let cool.

Assemble the salad:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the little gem lettuce leaves and drizzle with enough dressing to lightly coat (you may not need it all). Gently toss until evenly coated.

Plate and finish:

  • Arrange the dressed lettuce on a platter and top with the toasted breadcrumbs, a generous dusting of Parmesan (grated for more coverage or shaved for texture), and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 340mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1427IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg