Best 3 Crunchy Lettuce Salad Recipes

In the realm of refreshing and vibrant salads, crunchy lettuce salad stands out as a culinary delight. With its crisp texture, vibrant colors, and endless flavor combinations, this salad is a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Lettuce, the heart of this salad, provides a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings and dressings. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a satisfying vegetarian meal, this article will guide you through the process of creating the perfect crunchy lettuce salad, exploring diverse recipes and techniques to elevate your culinary experience.

Let's cook with our 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

Ingredients

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.

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

Ingredients

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 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

Ingredients

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.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh, crisp lettuce. Avoid lettuce that is wilted or has brown spots.
To add extra crunch, use a variety of lettuces, such as romaine, iceberg, and butterhead.
To add more flavor, add other vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots.
For a creamy dressing, use mayonnaise or yogurt. For a tangy dressing, use vinegar or lemon juice.
To add extra flavor to the dressing, add herbs, spices, or cheese.
Serve the salad immediately after making it, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Conclusion:

Crunchy lettuce salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a variety of flavors and textures, it is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy salad recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!