Buttermilk Dressing:
2 cups mayonnaise real
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons parsley minced fresh
1 tablespoon green onions minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
* See note below.
4 heads lettuce Bibb or Boston, washed and crisped
1 head romaine lettuce washed and crisped
1 bunch watercress washed and crisped (optional)
1 cup celery thinly sliced
1/2 cup fennel sliced fresh * (optional)
1 cup red bell peppers thinly sliced (optional)
3 eggs hard cooked and chopped
* Combine all ingredients and mix until creamy. Refrigerate in well sealed jar. This stays fresh for weeks in the refrigerator. Salad: Tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in large salad bowl. Cut watercress into bite-size pieces and add to greens. Add celery, optional fennel, and optional red pepper; toss gently. Add 2/3 cup dressing and toss to coat all ingredients. Sprinkle with chopped egg and serve.
* Also called finnochio. Appearance and texture is similar to celery; taste is slightly anise or licorice.