Recipe: Bibb Lettuce with Shrimp, Asparagus, and Chive Aioli

BIBB LETTUCE WITH SHRIMP, ASPARAGUS, AND CHIVE AIOLI
Bibb and Boston are both types of butter lettuce; you can use either in this recipe.

2 cups mayonnaise
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons water
2 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

4 heads of Bibb lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces (about 24 cups)
1 1/4 pounds cooked bay shrimp
3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

Whisk first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.

Cook asparagus in pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water. Drain well. (Dressing and asparagus can be made 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.)

Toss lettuce with half of shrimp, half of tomatoes, and half of asparagus in large shallow bowl. Top salad with remaining shrimp, tomatoes, and asparagus. Drizzle salad with dressing and serve.

Makes 12 servings.

Bon App tit
April 2002