Bibb Lettuce Salad with Smoky Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

• 1clove garlic, peeled
• 1/2teaspoon salt
• 1cup buttermilk
• 1/3cup mayonnaise
• 1/3cup sour cream
• 2tablespoons snipped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
• 2tablespoons snipped fresh chives
• 2tablespoons thinly sliced green onion (1)
• 1teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4heads butterhead (Boston or Bibb) lettuce, torn
• 1cup yellow pear-shape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2cup crumbled crisp-cooked bacon(optional)

• Directions

  1. For dressing, place garlic clove on a cutting board and smash with the side of a wide knife. Sprinkle garlic with salt. Using the side of the knife, mash and rub garlic into a paste. Transfer garlic paste to a medium bowl. Whisk in buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, parsley, chives, green onion, vinegar, paprika, and pepper until combined.
  2. In a salad bowl combine lettuce, tomatoes, and, if desired, bacon. Serve with dressing.

  From the Test Kitchen

  TO MAKE AHEAD:

  Prepare dressing as directed in Step 1. Transfer to an airtight container. Cover and chill for up to 1 week. Continue as directed.