Insalata Mista with Buttermilk-Chive Dressing

From EatingWell: March/April 1997, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004) — Subscribe Now!

A simple “mixed salad” is irresistible with our healthful version of everybody's favorite buttermilk dressing.

Insalata Mista with Buttermilk-Chive Dressing Recipe

4 servings, about 2 cups each

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

Dressing

1 clove garlic, unpeeled
1 tablespoon reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk, or nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon tarragon vinegar, or white-wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon honey, or sugar
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives, or scallion greens
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste

Salad

1 large or 2 small heads butterhead lettuce, (Bibb or Boston), torn into bite-size pieces
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, wiped clean and sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

Preparation

To prepare dressing: Skewer garlic clove with a fork. Place mayonnaise in a small bowl. Using the skewered garlic to stir, gradually blend in buttermilk (or yogurt), oil, vinegar and honey (or sugar). Gently stir in chives (or scallions). Season with salt and pepper. Leave the garlic in the dressing until ready to toss salad, then discard.
To prepare salad: Just before serving, combine lettuce, mushrooms and carrots in a large salad bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat well. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Per serving: 79 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 2 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 137 mg sodium; 364 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (120% dv).

1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat