Since R. B. has expanded his blade assortment beyond an ax, a maul, and a cleaver to include a few kitchen knives, he’s more than happy to wield the Santoku for diced salad vegetables. This kitchen task is best suited for the detail oriented. Around here, that would be R. B., whose T-shirt collection is always impeccably folded, stacked, and arranged by hobby. Instead of limp baby weeds, we vote for a crisp head of chilled iceberg lettuce that cuts beautifully into bite-size pieces for serving with barbecue.

　　

Ingredients

makes 8 servings

　　Dressing of your choice (recipes follow)

　　1 medium head iceberg lettuce, cut into bite-size pieces, well chilled

　　2 medium tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces

　　1 medium or 1/2 large seedless cucumber, thinly sliced or cut into chunks

　　6 radishes, sliced

　　2 celery ribs, sliced

　　1/4 cup red onion slivers

　　

Cool White Dressing

1 cup yogurt

　　1/4 cup tahini

　　Juice of 1/2 lemon

　　1 teaspoon cumin seeds

　　Kosher salt to taste

　　(makes about 1 1/4 cups)

　　

Engineer’s Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise

　　1/2 cup picante sauce

　　Juice of 1/2 lime

　　Kosher salt to taste

　　(makes about 1 1/2 cups)

　　

Pink Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

　　1/2 cup buttermilk

　　2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

　　1 garlic clove, mashed into a paste

　　2 tablespoons chopped mixed fresh herbs of your choice—chives, parsley, cilantro, thyme, oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning)

　　1 teaspoon smoked paprika

　　Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

　　(makes about 1 cup)

　　

Step 1

MAKE one of the following dressings. Chill.

　　

Step 2

PLACE the lettuce in a large salad bowl and toss with the dressing.

　　

Step 3

SCATTER the tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, celery, and onion over the lettuce or arrange them separately in a composed design.

　　

Cool White Dressing

Step 4

COMBINE all the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve over the Detailed Salad.

　　

Engineer’s Dressing

Step 5

COMBINE all the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve over the Detailed Salad.

　　

Pink Ranch Dressing

Step 6

COMBINE all the ingredients in a small bowl. Serve over the Detailed Salad.

　　Cheater BBQ