Bluegrass Fields Salad

Mar 05, 2025

Bluegrass Fields Salad

The Bluegrass Fields Salad, featured on the Kentucky Derby 151 menu, combines crisp Kentucky Bibb lettuce, fresh seasonal berries, and toasted almonds. Tossed with a sweet-tart Raspberry & Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, this light and flavorful dish embodies Churchill Downs cuisine and Southern charm.

Wine Pairing— La Crema Pinot Gris Monterey, 2023

Ingredients

• 1 Large Head Of Kentucky Bibb Lettuce, Washed And Gently Dried
• 1–2 Cups Mixed Seasonal Berries (E.G., Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries)
• ½ Cup Sliced Almonds, Toasted

Raspberry & Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:

• ¼ Cup Fresh Or Frozen Raspberries
• 2 Tablespoons Raspberry Jam
• 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
• ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds
• ½ Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt, Plus More To Taste
• ⅛ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Plus More To Taste

Instructions

1.     Preheat The Oven To 350°F (175°C) Or Use A Dry Skillet On The Stovetop Over Medium-Low Heat.

2.     Spread Sliced Almonds In A Single Layer On A Baking Sheet (Or Place Them In The Dry Skillet).

3.     Toast For 5–7 Minutes (Or Until Lightly Golden), Stirring Or Shaking Occasionally To Prevent Burning.

4.     Remove From Heat And Let Cool Completely.

5.     Combine Raspberries, Raspberry Jam, Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Salt, And Pepper In A Blender Or Food Processor. Blend Until The Raspberries Are Broken Down And The Mixture Is Relatively Smooth.

6.     Drizzle In The Olive Oil Slowly While Blending To Create A Smooth Emulsion.

7.     Stir In The Poppy Seeds At The End.

8.     Taste & Adjust Seasoning.

9.     Gently Tear Or Cut The Bibb Lettuce Into Bite-Sized Pieces. Arrange On A Large Serving Platter Or In A Salad Bowl.

10.  Scatter The Berries And Toasted Almonds Over The Lettuce.

11.  Just Before Serving, Lightly Drizzle The Salad With The Raspberry Poppy Seed Vinaigrette. You Can Serve Any Extra Dressing On The Side.