Best 3 Grandma Richters Wilted Lettuce Salad Recipes
Discover the secrets of Grandma Richter's Wilted Lettuce Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines simple, fresh ingredients with a delightful tangy dressing. This classic salad features a unique blend of crisp lettuce, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and crumbled blue cheese, all tossed in a homemade dressing made with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. The result is a flavorful and refreshing salad that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a light and healthy lunch.
In addition to the classic recipe, this article also includes variations to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, there's a Meatless Wilted Lettuce Salad that swaps out the bacon for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas. For those who love the combination of sweet and savory, the Sweet and Tangy Wilted Lettuce Salad adds dried cranberries, candied pecans, and a honey- Dijon dressing. And for those with gluten sensitivities, the Gluten-Free Wilted Lettuce Salad uses a gluten-free bread crumb topping instead of croutons.
With its easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, this article provides everything you need to create a delicious and satisfying Wilted Lettuce Salad that's sure to become a family favorite.
CLASSIC WILTED LETTUCE SALAD
When we were kids, my sister and I would prepare the freshly picked lettuce for this wilted lettuce salad recipe, rinsing it several times and carefully drying it. As we did so, we quibbled about the portions we'd each have. Somehow, it seems she always managed to get more! We still can't get enough of this salad. -Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. , To the hot drippings, add the vinegar, water, onions, sugar, salt and pepper, stirring until sugar is dissolved. , Place lettuce in a salad bowl; immediately pour dressing over and toss lightly. Top with egg. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 227mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
GRANDMA'S WILTED LETTUCE WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
When my Grandma Hallie passed in 1984, I mourned MANY things about this wonderful woman. But it wasn't until the next spring, when leaf lettuce came up, that I realized I had never asked her how to make Wilted Lettuce. Over the next 30 years, I would try one recipe after another, but none of them were quite right until a lovely...
Provided by Fran Miller
Categories Salads
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. If you are making Wilted Lettuce, put the eggs on to cook, then wash the leaf lettuce carefully. I remove all hard parts, like the spine, of the leaves. Put the leaves in a salad spinner to remove the excess water, or allow the leaves to drain in a colander lined with paper towels. Chop some onion and set aside. When the eggs have cooked about 15 minutes in boiling water, drain the water, and refill the pan with cool water to allow the eggs to cool. Assemble the lettuce leaves and chopped onion in a large salad bowl. Chop the eggs and set aside. THEN prepare the Hot Bacon Dressing.
- 2. Fry the diced bacon until crispy, then remove the bacon to a paper towel to drain. Reserve about 1 1/2 Tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and remove the rest.
- 3. While the diced bacon is frying, stir together the sugar, flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- 4. Add the sugar mixture to the 1 1/2 Tablespoons of hot bacon grease, cooking over medium heat and stirring.
- 5. Add the vinegar and water and stir constantly, bringing it to a boil. Boil about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. (If too thick, add a little water.)
- 6. Remove from heat and cool until warm. Pour over lettuce & onion, tossing the salad until coated and wilted. (The hotter the dressing, the more it will wilt. Your call.) Top with the chopped hardboiled eggs and crispy diced bacon. Dinner is served! =^..^=
OLD-FASHIONED WILTED LETTUCE
"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
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 :
Tips:
- Choosing the Right Lettuce: Opt for lettuces with a sturdy texture that can withstand wilting, such as romaine, escarole, or butter lettuce. Avoid delicate lettuces like Boston or Bibb, as they may become too limp.
- Wilting the Lettuce: The key to a successful wilted lettuce salad lies in the wilting process. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lettuce. Toss the lettuce continuously until it wilts and slightly browns, about 2-3 minutes. This step brings out the lettuce's natural sweetness and enhances its flavor.
- Dressing Variations: While the recipe provides a classic vinaigrette dressing, feel free to experiment with different variations. Try a tangy lemon-tahini dressing, a creamy avocado-ranch dressing, or a sweet and savory honey-mustard dressing. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find a dressing that suits your taste.
- Adding Extras: To elevate your wilted lettuce salad, consider incorporating additional ingredients that complement the flavors. Roasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Crumbled bacon or crispy shallots impart a savory touch, while dried cranberries or crumbled blue cheese provide a sweet and tangy contrast. Experiment with different combinations to create a salad that's uniquely yours.
Conclusion:
Grandma Richter's Wilted Lettuce Salad is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With its harmonious balance of flavors and textures, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of lettuce. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weekday lunch or a vibrant side dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the humble yet extraordinary wilted lettuce.
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