CALIFORNIA LETTUCE CUPS

California Lettuce Cups image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup lime juice (from about 4 small or 2 large limes)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 red grapefruits
2 avocados
1/2 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped
1 serrano chile, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
1 head Boston or butter lettuce, leaves separated, washed and dried

Steps:

In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the black pepper. Set aside.
Cut the grapefruits into segments: For each grapefruit, slice off the top and the bottom; set the grapefruit on one of the flat sides and cut off the peel and pith, following the curve of the flesh. Working over a medium bowl, use a paring knife to carefully cut down the sides the segments, releasing them from the membranes and into the bowl. Discard the membranes.
Halve and pit the avocadoes, then scoop out the flesh using a large spoon. Dice into bite-size pieces and add the avocado to the bowl with the grapefruit segments. Add the almonds, chile, cilantro, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the dressing, and toss gently. Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves and serve.