wilted lettuce salad recipe

wilted lettuce salad recipe

The Best wilted lettuce salad recipe

I love wilted lettuce salad because it’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The recipe originated in France, where it’s known as ‘salade de laitue à la grecque.’ It’s made by wilting lettuce leaves in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, which gives the greens a tender, slightly caramelized flavor.

When I first started making this salad, I was skeptical – I mean, who wilts their lettuce? But trust me, it’s a game-changer. The key to this recipe is using the right type of lettuce; I prefer using loose-leaf varieties like romaine or butter lettuce.

You can also use other types of greens like spinach or kale if you prefer. Once you’ve chosen your lettuce, the rest of the recipe is a breeze. Simply heat some olive oil in a pan, add minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice, and then add your wilted lettuce leaves.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re done! This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings. My kids love helping me make this salad because they get to use the kitchen shears to chop up the greens.

It’s also a great way to get them to eat their veggies – who doesn’t love a good salad? One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side dish or add protein like grilled chicken or salmon to make it a main course.

And because it’s so easy to make, you can whip it up in no time even on busy weeknights when you’re short on time.

Wilted Lettuce Salad

Wilted Lettuce Salad

4.8 from 956 votes

A classic Southern salad where fresh lettuce is quickly wilted by a hot bacon vinaigrette. The warm dressing softens the lettuce slightly while the bacon adds a smoky crunch.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

1 large head leaf lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion

For the Dressing

2 tablespoons bacon drippings
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the torn lettuce and sliced red onion in a large salad bowl.
2Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
3Cook the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and browned.
4Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
5Measure 2 tablespoons of the hot bacon drippings from the skillet and return them to the pan.
6Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
7Immediately pour the hot dressing over the lettuce and onion in the bowl.
8Toss gently with tongs for 30 to 45 seconds until the lettuce is just wilted and evenly coated.
9Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the salad and serve right away while the lettuce is still slightly warm.

🔧Equipment

Large salad bowl
Skillet
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, use a tender lettuce like Bibb or butter lettuce. You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version, but the drippings will be less flavorful.

Watch Video Of How Wilted Lettuce Salad Works

This wilted lettuce salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick lunch idea. The best part is that it’s so easy to make that even my kids can help me in the kitchen!

To store leftover wilted lettuce salad, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Wilted Lettuce Salad

Q: What type of lettuce should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I prefer using loose-leaf varieties like romaine or butter lettuce. However, you can also use other types of greens like spinach or kale if you prefer.

Q: Can I use pre-wilted lettuce from the store?

No, I don’t recommend using pre-wilted lettuce from the store. The best results come from wilting your own fresh greens at home.

Q: How do I prevent my wilted lettuce from becoming too soggy?

To prevent your wilted lettuce from becoming too soggy, be sure to cook it just until it’s tender – overcooking will make it become mushy.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to my wilted lettuce salad?

Yes! Some ideas include diced veggies like carrots or bell peppers, nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even dried fruit like cranberries or cherries.

Q: Is wilted lettuce salad healthy?

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients – just be sure to choose fresh greens and avoid adding too much oil or dressing.

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