The cuisine of New Orleans is renowned for its Creole masterpieces, and the New Orleans Soaked Salad is no exception.
With its combination of mixed lettuce, olives, and feta, it’s a refreshing and flavorful choice for any occasion. What sets this salad apart is the tangy dressing made with either Picual or Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil. These unique olive oils bring distinct flavors to the dish, resulting in a deliciously tart and salty profile. Whether you’re a fan of New Orleans cuisine or just love a good salad, the New Orleans Soaked Salad is a must-try.
New Orleans Soaked Salad
New Orleans Soaked Salad, a Creole-inspired dish that serves 8-10 people. This salad features a combination of lettuce varieties and the unique flavors of Biancolilla or Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, resulting in a tart and salty profile.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 Head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 Head of iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 1 Red onion, thinly slic
- 1 Cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 Cup Sliced black olives
- 1/2 Cup Sliced green olives
- 1/2 Cup Crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 Cup Chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 Cup Picual or Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
- 1/4 Cup Red wine vinegar
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce. Toss them together to create a base for your salad.
- Add the thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced green olives, crumbled feta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl or jar, prepare the dressing. Combine the Biancolilla or Coratina Extra Virgin Olive Oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well to emulsify the dressing.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly. Taste and add more dressing as needed to reach your desired level of tartness and saltiness.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad for a burst of freshness and color.
- Allow the salad to "soak" for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the lettuce to absorb some of the delicious dressing.
- Serve your New Orleans Soaked Salad as a refreshing and tangy side dish at your Creole-inspired meal.
**Special Tips and Variations:**
- Feel free to customize this salad by adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or even andouille sausage to make it a heartier main course.
- You can also add a touch of Creole seasoning for extra flavor and heat.
- Experiment with different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or arugula, to add variety to your salad base.
- Enjoy this tart and salty New Orleans Soaked Salad with friends and family as a delicious side dish or a light meal!
