This Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together crisp vegetables, a touch of peppery flavor, and a delicate sweetness. Paired with a tangy champagne vinaigrette and topped with shaved parmesan, it’s the perfect side salad for any meal or a light stand-alone dish.

Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in just 10 minutes.
A perfect balance of flavors: peppery, tangy, sweet, and savory.
Packed with fresh vegetables for a healthy crunch.
Light yet satisfying, great as a side or starter.
Make-ahead friendly—the vinaigrette can be prepared in advance.
Naturally gluten free and vegetarian.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Autumn Butter Lettuce Salad:

1 head butter lettuce, chopped, washed, and dried
1 small head radicchio, quartered, cored, and sliced
1 bulb fennel, bulb only, thinly sliced
6 radishes, thinly sliced
2 oz shaved parmesan cheese
cracked black pepper, to taste

Champagne Vinaigrette:

¼ cup champagne vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
2 teaspoons honey
¼ teaspoon sea or kosher salt

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, mustard, honey, and salt. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Chop the butter lettuce and radicchio. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and dry in a salad spinner.
Thinly slice fennel and radishes with a sharp knife or mandoline.
Toss lettuce, radicchio, fennel, and radishes together in a large bowl.
Portion salad onto plates, season with cracked black pepper, drizzle with dressing, and top with shaved parmesan. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Calories per serving: ~211

Variations

Nutty crunch: Add toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
Fruity touch: Toss in sliced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for sweetness.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
Vegan version: Omit parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Alternative dressing: Swap champagne vinaigrette for balsamic or apple cider vinaigrette.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad in a loosely covered container layered with paper towels for up to 3 days.
Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake before using.
Do not store dressed salad as it will lose crunchiness.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the veggies and vinaigrette separately. Toss together just before serving.

What is a good substitute for champagne vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works well.

Can I use bagged lettuce instead of fresh butter lettuce?

Yes, but fresh butter lettuce provides better texture and flavor.

Is this salad filling enough for a main dish?

Yes, if you add protein like chicken, salmon, or beans.

Can I make the dressing without mustard?

Yes, but mustard helps emulsify the dressing. You can use Dijon or leave it out.

How do I slice fennel thinly?

A sharp knife works, but a mandoline gives the thinnest, most even slices.

Can I prepare the vinaigrette in advance?

Yes, it keeps up to a week in the fridge. Shake before serving.

Is radicchio necessary?

No, but it adds color and a slightly bitter flavor that balances the salad.

Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?

Yes, but freshly shaved parmesan gives better flavor and texture.

How do I keep the salad crunchy?

Store undressed and layer paper towels in the container to absorb moisture.

Conclusion

The Autumn Crunch Butter Lettuce Salad is crisp, refreshing, and versatile, making it a perfect companion to any meal. With its quick prep time, colorful presentation, and delightful mix of flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknights, holidays, or gatherings.