Lettuce, the versatile leafy green, can be transformed into a delightfully crunchy, refreshing treat when prepared correctly. Whether you're looking for a crisp side salad, a crunchy addition to your favorite sandwich, or a flavorful topping for tacos or burgers, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to achieving the perfect crunch in your lettuce. From choosing the right lettuce variety to selecting the ideal dressing, we'll cover all the essential techniques and tips to help you enjoy the satisfying texture and vibrant flavors of crunchy lettuce in your culinary creations.
Let's cook with our recipes!
CRUNCHY LETTUCE SALAD
There are several variations to this Asian-style salad. But this is the one most folks prefer. Toasted almonds, chow mein noodles and sesame seeds contribute to this salad's "crunch".-Sue McLaughlin, Onawa, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine almonds, chow mein noodles and sesame seeds in a baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted; set aside. , In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine oil, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper; shake well. In a large bowl, toss lettuce, onions and bacon. Just before serving, add almond mixture and dressing; toss.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 211 calories, Fat 18g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 223mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
CRUNCHY ASIAN LETTUCE AND NOODLE CHICKEN SALAD
You can make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and all salad ingredient amounts may be adjusted to taste --- this salad is delicious!
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Chicken
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For the dressing whisk all ingredients vigorously until well combined and until no sugar granules remain; chill at least 1 hour or more.
- In a large serving bowl combine the lettuce with chopped chicken and green onions.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving mix in the chow mein noodles, orange segments and sesame seeds.
- Mix/whisk the dressing once again then add in about half; toss to combine (serve the remaining dressing on the side).
- Serve immediately.
SPICY-CRUNCHY CHICKEN SALAD IN LETTUCE CUPS
The following recipe is from Scripps Networks' "Great Taste" event of May 4, 2002.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 20m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and chile paste. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and salt, and stir-fry the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until just cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the scallions, carrot, and water chestnuts. Transfer the chicken mixture to a bowl and cool. Stir in the lime juice mixture, mint, and coriander. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and fill each with some of the chicken salad. Serve with lime wedges.
CRUNCHY LETTUCE
This is a crispy and crunchy salad with bacon and toasted almonds.
Provided by Teri
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
- In a salad bowl, combine the bacon, lettuce, almonds, sesame seeds, green onions and chow mien noodles; toss and refrigerate.
- In a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the oil, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Shake well and chill for 1 hour.
- Before serving, shake dressing and pour over salad; toss and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 555.2 calories, Carbohydrate 27.1 g, Cholesterol 15.2 mg, Fat 46.7 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 956.4 mg, Sugar 15.9 g
Tips:
- When selecting lettuce, choose heads that are firm and have tightly packed leaves. Avoid heads that are wilted, bruised, or have brown spots.
- To clean lettuce, remove any wilted or damaged leaves. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly in cold water, making sure to separate the leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Drain the lettuce well before using.
- To keep lettuce crisp, store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the lettuce in a damp paper towel and store it in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the lettuce from wilting.
- To add crunch to lettuce, try chilling it before serving. You can also add a variety of toppings to lettuce, such as croutons, bacon, cheese, or nuts.
- Lettuce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, and soups. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate.
Conclusion:
Lettuce is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. With its crisp texture and mild flavor, lettuce can be used in a variety of dishes. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your lettuce is always fresh and crisp. So next time you're looking for a healthy and refreshing ingredient, reach for some lettuce.
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