mitzireddy

The weather in Johannesburg has been so extremely hot recently that salads appeal more than a hot meal. I came across some fresh baby gem lettuce in my local supermarket and decided to throw together a salad for some vegetarian friends who were coming around to visit.

Even lettuce has history – the Egyptians first cultivated lettuce as early as 4500 BC for the edible oil in the seeds rather than the greens – it may have been considered an aphrodisiac. The Romans introduced lettuce to Britain and it was only in the 18^th century that the English started using lettuce leaves in a salad.

BABY GEM LETTUCE SALAD

1 pack of baby gem lettuces

Croutons (readymade from Woolies – or make your own using 3 slices of bread)

50gr walnuts, roughly chopped

¼ cup sunflower seeds

Shavings of parmesan cheese

Honey mustard vinaigrette

Cut the lettuce into wedges, rinse and arrange on a platter.

Arrange the croutons, walnuts, sunflower seeds on top.

Scatter some shavings of parmesan cheese .

Pour over the honey mustard vinaigrette just before serving.

Delicious, healthy and effortless to make.