Boston Lettuce and Radishes with a Dijon Caper Dressing

A salad is always a welcome start to a full meal, and this one is a real beauty. It’s colorful and packed with flavor and textures. The sliced radishes add a spicy bite and an extra crunch. The ingredients for this salad are in season all year round.

NotesDave’s Take: To juice a lemon, squeeze one half of the fruit with one hand over a small bowl. Use the other hand to catch any seeds that fall out.

The easiest way to tackle the washing is to do it in a big bowl or in your sink. If you're going to use the sink, clean it out first really well with soap and warm water and be sure to rinse all the soapy water before you start. Put the stopper in the drain and fill the sink or bowl three-quarters of the way with cold water. Throw in the greens and swish them around in the water, letting any grit and dirt settle to the bottom. Scoop the greens into a colander and shake it to get rid of as much water as you can.

The best way to get greens really dry is with a salad spinner. (Cheap plastic ones go for under $15 and last as many years.) Cheap or expensive, they work the same way. The greens go in a basket that spins around when you turn or push a handle. If you don't have a salad spinner, don't fret. Just try this: Shake as much water off the greens as you can while they'e in the colander. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or on several sheets of paper towels and then roll them up loosely. You can store them just like that in the refrigerator until you need them.

CostInexpensive

Total Timeunder 15 minutes

OccasionCasual Dinner Party

Recipe Coursecold appetizer

Dietary Considerationvegetarian

Mealdinner, lunch

Taste and Texturecrunchy, garlicky, herby, savory, tart

Type of Dishfirst course salad