Best 4 Crunchy Lettuce Recipes

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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.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

CRUNCHY LETTUCE SALAD



Crunchy Lettuce Salad image

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

1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chow mein noodles
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 cups torn iceberg or romaine lettuce
4 green onions with tops, diced
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

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



Crunchy Asian Lettuce and Noodle Chicken Salad image

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

1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
4 -5 cooked boneless chicken breasts, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups dry chow mein noodles (or use as much as desired)
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, well drained
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 -2 teaspoon sesame oil
6 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pinch garlic powder

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



Spicy-Crunchy Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups image

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

6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons Southeast Asian fish sauce
2 teaspoons Asian-style chile paste, like sambal oelek
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, like corn, peanut, or soy
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon kosher salt
4 scallions (white and green), thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, grated
1/2 cup canned, drained water chestnuts, chopped
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
8 to 10 Bibb lettuce leaves
Lime wedges

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



Crunchy Lettuce image

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

6 slices bacon
1 head iceberg lettuce - rinsed, dried, and shredded
⅓ cup toasted and sliced almonds
¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted
4 green onions, chopped
¾ cup chow mein noodles
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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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