Best 9 Classic Wilted Lettuce Salad Recipes

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In the realm of salads, few dishes offer the delightful simplicity and refreshing taste of a classic wilted lettuce salad. This culinary delight, characterized by its tender, slightly wilted greens, is an ode to the beauty of fresh produce and the art of simple preparation. This versatile salad serves as a perfect accompaniment to a variety of main courses, ranging from grilled meats to flavorful seafood dishes. Its delicate texture and subtle bitterness provide a delightful contrast to richer flavors, making it an ideal complement to hearty meals. The secret to a perfect wilted lettuce salad lies in the careful selection of lettuces and the delicate application of heat. The combination of sturdy greens, such as romaine or escarole, with tender varieties like butterhead or Boston lettuce, creates a harmonious balance of textures. The gentle wilting process, achieved through a quick sauté or exposure to warm dressing, transforms the greens into a tender and flavorful base for the salad. Enhance the salad's appeal with a variety of toppings, including crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, or toasted walnuts, adding layers of flavor and texture. The recipes provided in this article offer a diverse range of wilted lettuce salads, each showcasing unique ingredients and flavor combinations. From the classic pairing of bacon and blue cheese to the vibrant flavors of roasted beets and goat cheese, these recipes cater to a variety of palates and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as you explore the delightful world of wilted lettuce salads, discovering the perfect accompaniment to your next meal.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WILTED LETTUCE SALAD



Wilted Lettuce Salad image

This wilted salad is lightly coated with a delectable warm dressing.

Provided by Mary Jones

Categories     Salad     Green Salad Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 slices bacon
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 head leaf lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
6 green onions with tops, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove from skillet, crumble and set aside.
  • To the hot bacon drippings, add the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and pepper. Stir over medium heat until hot.
  • In a large bowl, combine the lettuce and green onions. Add the warm dressing and toss to evenly coat. Sprinkle with bacon and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 210.3 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

WILTED LETTUCE SALAD WITH BACON DRESSING



Wilted Lettuce Salad with Bacon Dressing image

To complement any entree, toss together this effortless and delicious salad.-Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups torn leaf lettuce
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
3 bacon strips, diced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2-1/4 teaspoons sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons water
Salt and pepper to taste
1 hard-boiled large egg, sliced

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce and onion; set aside., Place bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover with another paper towel; microwave on high for 5-7 minutes or until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels., In a small microwave-safe dish, combine 1-1/2 teaspoons bacon drippings, vinegar, sugar and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds or until sugar is dissolved; stir until smooth. , Pour over lettuce; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add bacon and egg; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 95 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 98mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

WILTED LETTUCE SALAD



Wilted Lettuce Salad image

Wilted Lettuce Salad comes from Alberta McKay of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. This appetizing salad looks and tastes great!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 cups torn leaf lettuce or spinach
1/4 cup sliced green onions
Pepper to taste
3 bacon strips, diced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine lettuce and onions in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with pepper; set aside. , In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Stir the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and salt in drippings. Pour over lettuce and toss gently until well coated. Top with egg. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 93 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 199mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

WILTED LETTUCE SALAD (AKA HOT LETTUCE)



Wilted Lettuce Salad (AKA Hot Lettuce) image

Hot lettuce is amazing! This simple wilted lettuce salad and its homemade dressing makes for a delicious addition to your favorite meal.

Provided by Thriving Home

Categories     Salad

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 5

About 4-6 cups of lettuce (tender, fresh garden lettuce is the best!)
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or bacon drippings)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Rinse and dry the salad in a salad spinner. (Or rinse in a colander and let dry on a towel on the counter.) Tear into bite-sized pieces into a large serving bowl.
  • Combine oil, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a microwave-safe glass jar or bowl.
  • Microwave for about 30 seconds, or until boiling.
  • Immediately pour hot dressing over the large bowl of salad. Toss and taste. Season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Serving suggestion ideas: Add freshly grated Parmesan, feta or Gorgonzola crumbles, thinly sliced or diced apples, and toasted pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Sugar 8 g, Sodium 592.3 mg, Fat 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 9.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.7 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

WILTED LEAF LETTUCE SALAD



Wilted Leaf Lettuce Salad image

When I think of my favorite meals from childhood, this salad comes to mind. Nothing beats garden lettuce wilted with bacon drippings, and no other recipe better captures the taste of long ago.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups torn leaf lettuce
1 small onion, sliced
3 radishes, sliced
6 bacon strips, diced
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, toss lettuce, onion and radishes; set aside. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towel. To the drippings, add vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Pour over lettuce and toss; sprinkle with bacon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

OLD-FASHIONED WILTED LETTUCE



Old-Fashioned Wilted Lettuce image

"I remember my grandmother making this wonderful 'wilted' salad with leaf lettuce from her garden and serving it with a creamy dressing," recalls Rose Shawyer of Otterbein, Indiana.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ceder vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 head medium head iceberg lettuce or 1 bunch leaf lettuce, torn
1 large onion, sliced into rings

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth; set aside. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain, reserving drippings., Whisk egg mixture into drippings. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. , In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, onion and bacon. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

WILTED LETTUCE



Wilted Lettuce image

"Here's an easy, old-fashioned salad that makes for a different-tasting side dish," writes Jennie Wilburn of Long Creek, Oregon. "You can use less bacon drippings to cut down on the fat."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups torn leaf lettuce or spinach
1/2 medium onion, sliced into rings
3 bacon strips, diced
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped

Steps:

  • Place lettuce and onion in a large salad bowl; set aside. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp (do not drain). Stir in vinegar, water, salt and pepper. Pour over lettuce and toss gently until well coated. Top with egg. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

WILTED LETTUCE SALAD



Wilted Lettuce Salad image

Sometimes simple is best. This is a wonderfully old fashioned salad that is very tasty and easy to prepare.

Provided by Michelle S.

Categories     Pork

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 slices bacon
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
8 cups torn leaf lettuce
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Fry bacon until crisp; drain (saving drippings) and crumble.
  • Place lettuce in a large bowl.
  • top with onion, egg, and crumbled bacon.
  • In a skillet put bacon drippings, vinegar, salt, pepper and sugar.
  • Heat to boiling.
  • Pour over lettuce in bowl and toss.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111, Fat 5.2, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 52.1, Sodium 705.2, Carbohydrate 12.1, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 8.2, Protein 4.6

MY MOM'S WILTED LETTUCE



My Mom's Wilted Lettuce image

This was my ma's recipe passed on to me--don't know any other way to make it and I'm 58 years old. This is really an old-fashioned dish.

Provided by Darlene Summers

Categories     Low Protein

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 head leaf lettuce
4 -5 green onions
salt
pepper
1/2 cup bacon grease
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar

Steps:

  • Wash the lettuce several times; drain.
  • Clean and cut the onions into the lettuce.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Dressing: Heat dressing ingredients to boiling; pour over lettuce while boiling hot.
  • Stir and mix well.
  • Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Choose the right lettuce: Use a sturdy lettuce that can withstand being wilted, such as romaine, butterhead, or escarole.
  • Wash the lettuce thoroughly: Remove any dirt or grit from the lettuce before using it.
  • Dry the lettuce well: Use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce dry with a clean towel to remove excess water.
  • Use a light hand with the dressing: Wilted lettuce salad is best when the dressing is light and flavorful, so don't overdo it.
  • Serve the salad immediately: Wilted lettuce salad is best when served immediately, as the lettuce will start to wilt more and lose its texture over time.

Conclusion:

Classic wilted lettuce salad is a simple but delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover lettuce. With its bright flavors and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table.

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