Lettuce, Radish and avocado with a maple mustard dressing

This salad is such a winner and a great one to have up your sleeve for hosting. It’s fresh, crunchy and just a little bit elevated, with creamy avocado, peppery radish and those salty, crispy capers bringing everything together.

It’s perfect on its own for a light lunch, but also works beautifully alongside a piece of fish or your favourite protein. And make extra dressing, this is one you’ll want to keep in the fridge and drizzle over everything.

Ingredients (serves 2–3)

Salad

• 2–3 baby cos lettuces, leaves separated

• 4–6 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp capers, drained and patted dry

• 1–2 tsp olive oil (for frying capers)

Maple Mustard Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• ½ tsp mustard powder

• pinch turmeric (optional)

• salt and black pepper

• optional: ½ tsp Dijon mustard for a slightly rounder flavour

Method

1. Crispy capers
   Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the capers and fry for 2–3 minutes until they open up and turn slightly golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel and set aside.

2. Make the dressing
   Add all dressing ingredients to a small jar (or a Vitamix like I use), seal and shake well until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Prepare the avocado
   Scoop the avocado into a bowl and gently smash with a fork. Keep it slightly chunky rather than completely smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and some lemon.

4. Assemble
   Lay out the baby cos leaves on a serving plate. Spoon a little smashed avocado into each leaf, then top with radish slices and very thin red onion.

5. Finish
   Drizzle the maple mustard dressing over the top and finish with the crispy capers and a crack of black pepper.

Mindful Moment

As you assemble each lettuce cup, slow things down for a moment. Notice the colours, the textures, the contrast between crisp and creamy. This is a simple dish, but it’s those small details, the way you prepare it, the way you plate it, that turn everyday food into something more intentional.