In the realm of culinary delights, Grandma's Wilted Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing stands as a testament to the enduring charm of classic dishes. This iconic salad, with its tender, wilted lettuce leaves enveloped in a warm, savory bacon dressing, is a symphony of flavors and textures that has captured the hearts of generations.
The recipe, lovingly passed down through generations, embodies the essence of simplicity and comfort food. Fresh, crisp lettuce forms the foundation of this dish, providing a canvas for the rich, tangy dressing to work its magic. Crisp bacon, rendered until golden brown, adds a smoky, salty dimension, while the dressing, made with vinegar, sugar, and spices, strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
Accompanying this classic recipe are a treasure trove of variations that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, the "Wilted Lettuce with Warm Vinaigrette" offers a delightful twist, replacing the bacon with a flavorful vinaigrette dressing.
For those with a hankering for something a bit more substantial, the "Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing" provides a hearty and nutritious option, featuring spinach as the leafy green base. And for those who simply can't get enough of bacon, the "Loaded Wilted Lettuce Salad" takes indulgence to the next level, adding crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and cherry tomatoes to the mix.
With its timeless appeal and endless variations, Grandma's Wilted Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing is a culinary journey that promises to tantalize taste buds and evoke memories of cherished family gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire, enjoyed by family and friends for generations to come.
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! =^..^=
WILTED LETTUCE SALAD WITH BACON DRESSING
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
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.
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.
LETTUCE WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
I plant lettuce in my garden, so this is a recipe I make often. It's a nice change from a regular tossed salad.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon; crumble and set aside. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup drippings. In a large bowl, combine the greens, eggs, onions and bacon. Add remaining ingredients to the drippings; bring to a boil. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 229mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
SOUTHERN WILTED LETTUCE SALAD WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Combine the shredded lettuce and chopped green onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a cast-iron or other frying pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until the desired doneness.
- Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
- Combine the bacon drippings, vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan and heat until it boils.
- Pour over the shredded lettuce mixture. Toss to mix. Crumble the bacon and add it on top. Serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 231 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 8 g, ServingSize 4 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
WILTED GREENS WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- Place romaine in a serving bowl. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble over greens. To the pan, add sugar and vinegar, and simmer until sugar is dissolved, scraping up bacon bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour hot dressing over greens and toss. Serve immediately.
WARM WILTED LETTUCE SALAD
Fresh, colorful and lightly coated with a delectable dressing, this salad is perfect for a special meal or Sunday dinner. Mom made it look so tempting with the crisp radishes and crumbled bacon. -Vera Reid, Laramie, Wyoming
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Toss lettuce, radishes and onions in a large salad bowl; set aside. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain. To the hot drippings, add vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and pepper; stir well. Immediately pour dressing over salad; toss gently. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 94mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
LETTUCE WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
Here is something a little different for a salad. A friend gave me this years ago. Hope you like it.
Provided by Vera
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let egg stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Reserve excess grease.
- Add onions to skillet with reserved grease and cook until tender. Add bacon, vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Stir and bring to boil.
- Place lettuce in a large bowl. Pour hot dressing over and toss well. Garnish with egg and radishes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 168 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 465.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
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:
- To ensure the best flavor, use fresh, crisp lettuce. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves.
- For a smoky flavor, cook the bacon until it is crispy.
- If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or lemon juice.
- For a tangy dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- For a sweeter dressing, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- If you want a thicker dressing, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing it, to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
Conclusion:
Grandma's Wilted Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing is a classic Southern dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your home. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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