Butter Lettuce, Asparagus, and Hazelnut Salad

Butter lettuce, also called Boston or Bibb lettuce, is delicate; it can bruise and wilt as easily as fresh herbs. Instead of tossing together in a bowl, arrange the lettuce on individual plates before adding other elements. A tip we learned from salt guru Mark Bitterman: Stirring salt into the vinaigrette will wilt lettuces faster. Instead, finish with a sprinkling of flake salt, such as Maldon--the big flakes mimic the lettuce's crisp texture. Late spring yields the most flavorful, tender asparagus; this salad is a great place to use very thin stalks.