Leafy Green Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Lettuce

Lactuca sativa Allergen-Free
lettuce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Asteraceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Spring|Summer|Fall
  • Source Lettuce plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the Salad Bowl: Unexpected uses for your leafy greens."

Definition

A leafy green vegetable primarily used in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish, valued for its crisp texture and mild flavor.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Fresh, Slightly Bitter (some varieties)
TextureCrisp, Watery, Tender
AromaFresh, Green
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production:

China is the largest producer of lettuce worldwide.

Vitamin K Source:

A single serving can provide over 100% daily Vitamin K.

Water Content:

Over 95% water, making it very hydrating.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup shredded (36g)
Calories15 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.4 g
Total Carbohydrate2.9 g
Dietary Fiber1.3 g
Total Sugars0.8 g
Calcium36 mg
Iron0.9 mg
Potassium194 mg

Chef’s Secret

To revive wilted lettuce, submerge it in ice water for 15-30 minutes; the cells will rehydrate, restoring crispness.

Substitutions

Best Match

Spinach

1:1

Excellent for salads and sandwiches, offers similar texture but slightly earthier taste.

Cabbage (shredded)

1:1

Crisp texture, more robust flavor, good for slaws and heartier sandwiches.

Arugula

1:1

Adds a peppery, slightly bitter kick, suitable for salads desiring more intense flavor.

Endive/Radicchio

1:1

Provides a pleasant bitterness and crispness, good for salads needing complexity.

Buying Guide

Choose heads with crisp, vibrant leaves, avoiding any wilting, browning, or sliminess.

Flavor Pairings

Vinaigrettes Tomatoes Cucumbers Onions Grilled Chicken Fish Cheese

Recipes Using Lettuce

Copycat Kid Friendly Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Chipotle Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

Craving that Chipotle taste at home? This copycat recipe delivers the same deliciousness without the wait! Packed with flavorful chicken, customizable toppings, and vibrant veggies, this burrito bowl is a family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it's the perfect weeknight meal. Get ready for a fiesta in your kitchen!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Meat Course Dietary

9 To 5 Mexican Crock Pot Chicken

Need a delicious and easy weeknight dinner after a long day? This 9 to 5 Mexican Crock-Pot Chicken recipe is your answer! Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender chicken simmers in a rich, zesty sauce, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice and lettuce. Minimal prep, maximum flavor – get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!

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Sauces Very Low Carbs North American High In Something

Alabama Bbq Chicken And White Sauce Grilled

Experience the smoky, juicy perfection of Alabama BBQ Chicken, grilled to tender perfection and slathered in a creamy, dreamy white sauce! This recipe, inspired by a Cook's Country magazine recipe and perfected on a Green Egg smoker, delivers incredible flavor. Learn how to achieve that signature smoky taste even without a smoker, using simple indirect grilling techniques. Serve this mouthwatering chicken on toasted buns with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a generous drizzle of our unforgettable white sauce. Prepare for a BBQ explosion!

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Condiments Etc Course Main Ingredient Cooking Mixes

All Purpose Ground Meat Mix

Unlock a world of flavor and save time & money with this versatile ground meat mix! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe lets you prep a batch of seasoned ground meat, ready to transform into tacos, sloppy joes, chili, and more. Brown ground meat once, then freeze individual portions for quick meals anytime. Say goodbye to repetitive chopping and browning – hello to delicious, budget-friendly dinners!

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North American Equipment Lunch Picnic

All American Hamburgers

Fire up the grill for these juicy, flavorful All-American BBQ Burgers! Our family recipe features a secret ingredient for extra deliciousness. These 1/4 lb burgers are perfect for a summer cookout and easily customizable – add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger, or your favorite toppings. Get ready for the best burger you've ever tasted!

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Beginner Cook Preparation Beginner Cook Easy

Aunt Susan's Taco Soup

This unconventional taco soup recipe might sound unusual at first, but trust us – it's a flavor explosion! Aunt Susan's secret blend of spices creates a rich and satisfying meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. Don't let the unexpected ingredient combinations deter you; this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a new favorite!

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Preparation Grilling Meat Technique

Aussie Style Burger With The Lot

Unleash your inner Aussie chef with this epic burger recipe! Our 'hamburger with the lot' is a juicy beef patty piled high with cheese, crisp bacon, fresh tomato, tangy beetroot, sweet onion, crisp lettuce, and a perfectly fried egg, all nestled in a toasted bun. Some versions even include a slice of pineapple for a taste of summer. This Aussie classic, found in pubs and restaurants across the land, is easier to make than you think! Get ready to experience a true taste of Australia.

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Dietary Preparation Low Carb Course

Avocado Blt Salad

Creamy avocado meets crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes in this elevated BLT Salad! A vibrant and satisfying recipe perfect for a light lunch or summer dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion from Razzle Dazzle Recipes! (Prep time does not include dressing marinating time)

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Low Carb Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Calorie

Avocado Grapefruit Salad

A vibrant and refreshing salad recipe, passed down through generations! This Avocado Grapefruit Salad features the unique sweetness of Florida pink grapefruit (a rarity back in the day!), perfectly balanced with creamy avocado and crisp lettuce. A simple yet elegant recipe ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a sophisticated appetizer.

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Vegetarian Salads Mexican Salad Dressings

Avocado Salad With Hearts Of Palm

Discover a vibrant and refreshing Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad! This easy recipe, inspired by Veggie Ventures, is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish. Hearts of palm add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, perfectly complemented by creamy avocado and a zesty, homemade dressing. Makes enough for 4 servings. Prepare to be amazed!

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Number Of Servings For 1 Or 2 Course Preparation

Avocado Salad With Pomegranate Drizzle

Experience a burst of fresh flavors with this vibrant Avocado Salad! Light, refreshing, and bursting with taste, this salad perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and rich notes. The creamy avocado, crisp greens, and juicy grapefruit mingle beautifully, all brought together by a luscious pomegranate drizzle. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or a stunning side dish. Prepare to be amazed!

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Small Appliance 30 Minutes Or Less No Cook Occasion

B's Taco Dip Meatless

This unbelievably delicious meatless taco dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its versatility shines – customize it with your favorite veggies like jalapenos, olives, cilantro, and avocado. This recipe is so easy, you'll be the star of every party. One pan, one bag of tortilla chips, and endless flavor combinations await! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary Time To Make Vegetarian Dietary

Baked Falafel Sandwich

Skip the deep fryer and enjoy these healthy, baked falafel sandwiches! This Weight Watchers-inspired recipe delivers amazing flavor without the guilt. Perfectly seasoned chickpea patties are baked to golden perfection, then nestled in pita bread with fresh veggies and a creamy tahini dressing. A quick, easy, and healthier twist on a classic!

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Oven Course Main Ingredient Dietary

Baked Taco Sandwich

Craving a cheesy, taco-filled comfort food? This Baked Taco Sandwich recipe, inspired by Betty Crocker's Good & Easy Cookbook, is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's sure to become a family favorite! Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and a flavorful taco filling baked to perfection – it's the ultimate twist on a classic.

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Dietary Time To Make Main Dish Easy

Barbecued Monterey Chicken Sandwiches

Juicy grilled chicken breasts, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce all nestled in toasted croissants! This easy recipe puts a delicious spin on classic Monterey chicken, delivering incredible flavor in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal.

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5 Ingredients Or Less Main Ingredient Easy Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Beach Boy's Pot Roast

This incredibly simple recipe uses just three ingredients to create a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that's perfect for tacos, burritos, hoagies, or enjoyed on its own! Slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot, this recipe is a flavor explosion that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Prepare for tender, juicy beef bursting with zesty pepper flavor!

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Beginner Cook Salads Beans Picnic

Bean And Frito Salad

This vibrant Bean and Frito Salad is the perfect crunchy side dish for your next Mexican fiesta or backyard barbecue! A simple recipe ready in minutes, it's easily customizable – use Fritos, Doritos, or your favorite corn chips for a unique flavor twist. The satisfying blend of creamy beans and salty chips is irresistible!

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15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Taste Mood 15 Minutes Or Less

Bears Style Sub

Fuel your Chicago Bears game day with this epic sub! Inspired by playoff noshing, this recipe features a hearty blend of salami, mortadella, hot capicola, and provolone, layered with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions. A zesty homemade dressing ties it all together. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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