petite wedge salad featuring avocado and tangy pickled onions

Vibrant Baby Wedge Salad with Avocado and Tangy Pickled Onions

Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) water
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (35 grams) pepitas
• 3 tablespoons (40 grams) olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small head of iceberg lettuce (3/4 to 1 pound)
• 1 medium avocado, chopped into chunks
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) crumbled cotija cheese
• 2 radishes, thinly sliced and cut into matchsticks

Pickling the Onions

To create the pickled onions, mix the red wine vinegar, water, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and either sugar or honey in a jar. Add the sliced onion and give it a good shake to combine. You can let this mixture pickle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour to up to 5 days. However, if you're in a hurry, a quick 10 to 15 minutes will do the trick! For an expedited process, pop it in the microwave (lid off) for about 20 seconds and then allow it to chill in the fridge until you’re ready.

Making Crispy Pepitas

In a small skillet, combine the pepitas with 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely as their color changes; raw pepitas can tolerate longer cooking, while pre-toasted ones will require less time to achieve that perfect golden shade. Once done, remove them from the heat, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and allow them to cool for a few minutes before using.

Assembling Your Salad Masterpiece

Start by halving your head of iceberg lettuce, then slice each half into 4 wedges. Aim to keep the little pyramidal shapes intact for a fun baby wedge appearance. Transfer these wedges onto your serving platter. Next, spread the chopped avocado over the lettuce, followed by spooning the crispy pepitas and their oil all over the top. Add rings of the pickled onion and drizzle any leftover vinegar brine for extra zing. Finally, crown your creation with crumbled cotija cheese and matchstick radishes. Season generously with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and enjoy this fresh delight immediately!