Lettuce

Lactuca sativa Vegetable (Leafy Green)

Lettuce Vegetable (Leafy Green)

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable (Leafy Green)

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A leafy green annual plant belonging to the daisy family, primarily grown as a leaf vegetable for salads and other culinary uses.

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.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lettuce are:

Mild refreshing slightly bitter (some varieties) crisp

Chef’s Secret

To revive slightly wilted lettuce, submerge it in a bowl of ice water for 15-20 minutes. The cold water helps the cells rehydrate and regain their crispness.

Best Substitutes

Spinach or Arugula

alters flavor but maintains leafy texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for crisp, vibrant leaves without any wilting, brown spots, or sliminess. Avoid heads with rust or discoloration at the base.

Recipes Using Lettuce

Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish Stove Top

5 Tacos

Craving tacos but on a budget? This recipe delivers FIVE flavorful tacos for around $5! Quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready to enjoy a fiesta in your mouth!

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Inexpensive Lettuces American Vegetarian

Baked Mexican Black Bean Dip

Spice up your next Mexican fiesta with this irresistible baked black bean dip! A crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste. The creamy black beans are perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbly perfection. Top with fresh tomatoes and green onions for a vibrant and flavorful finish. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Beef Course Main Ingredient Preparation

Asian Style Hamburgers

Spice up your burger game with these delicious Asian-style hamburgers! Tired of ordinary burgers? This recipe delivers a burst of flavor with a savory soy-ginger marinade. Perfect for racing season or any night you crave something exciting. Easily doubled and freezable for future meals. Marinating time not included in cook time.

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Eggs Dairy Diabetic Low Calorie Vegetables

A Salad For All Seasons

This vibrant salad is a delightful combination of simple, flavorful ingredients that's perfect any time of year! Impress your guests (or your picky husband!) with this surprisingly satisfying starter or light lunch. Featuring intensely flavorful roasted red onions, perfectly boiled eggs, and a few other key components, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Roast the onions and boil the eggs ahead of time for effortless assembly – making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend brunches. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete and fulfilling meal.

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Time To Make Preparation Low In Something Low Carb

Beef Machaca Taco Filling

Experience the bold flavors of Texas with this authentic Beef Machaca Taco Filling recipe! Tender, shredded beef slow-simmered to perfection with vibrant spices and peppers. Overnight marinating unlocks incredible depth of flavor, or speed up the process with a slow cooker. Freezes beautifully for future taco nights!

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Low Fat 3 Steps Or Less Healthy Course

Apple Broccoli Salad

Craving a healthy and delicious salad? This Apple Broccoli Salad is a game-changer! Forget heavy mayo-based dressings – this recipe uses creamy yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist. With quick prep (thanks to your food chopper!), this vibrant salad is perfect for a light lunch, a healthy side dish, or a refreshing summer meal. Get ready for a burst of fresh apple and crunchy broccoli goodness!

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Dinner Party Lettuces Easy Side Dishes

Artichokes With Tomato Herb Dressing

A vibrant and flavorful recipe featuring tender artichoke hearts tossed in a bright tomato herb dressing. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Elevate your weeknight meal with this surprisingly simple and delicious dish! Inspired by a grocery store find!

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Cuisine Meat

Bbq Pork Enchiladas

Transform leftover BBQ pork into a flavor explosion with these irresistible BBQ Pork Enchiladas! This recipe takes your favorite slow-cooked pork and elevates it with zesty green chilies, creamy cheeses, and rich enchilada sauce. Easy to assemble and bursting with flavor, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Time To Make Course Vegetables To Go

Aunt Kellie's Spinach Poppy Seed Salad

This vibrant and flavorful spinach poppy seed salad is perfect for any occasion! From showers and BBQs to everyday lunches and dinners, this crowd-pleasing recipe is a must-try. The creamy poppy seed dressing is made from scratch and is incredibly easy to customize – feel free to halve the dressing recipe if needed. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant salad!

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15 Minutes Or Less Preparation Dips Course

7 Layer Ranch Dip

This incredible 7-Layer Ranch Dip recipe is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a classic Lipton recipe, this updated version uses Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix for a creamy, flavorful dip perfect for snacking while watching your favorite show. Layers of deliciousness await – get ready for a taste sensation!

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Healthy 15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Number Of Servings

Bigger Than My Head Raw Salad

This vibrant, super-sized raw salad is a delicious and healthy meal! Packed with fresh leafy greens, crunchy veggies, and a simple, flavorful dressing, it's the perfect recipe for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with every bite! This recipe is easily customizable to your favorite ingredients.

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Meat Time To Make Vegetables Low In Something

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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Healthy For 1 Or 2 Low Saturated Fat 60 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Lettuce Salad

Craveable Bacon Lettuce Salad! This easy recipe from the MDC kitchen brings together crispy bacon, fresh greens, and a creamy parmesan dressing for a satisfying and delicious salad that's ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

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Chicken 3 Steps Or Less Main Dish Poultry

Bean And Chicken Crockpot Tacos

Satisfy your taco cravings with this easy slow cooker recipe! Tender shredded chicken and flavorful beans simmer together for hours, creating a delicious filling for your favorite tacos. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for the most amazing, easy tacos ever!

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Main Ingredient 15 Minutes Or Less Weeknight Low In Something

Antarctica Salad

A refreshing and surprisingly easy salad inspired by icy Antarctica! This creamy, crunchy, and slightly spicy recipe features a unique peanut butter and cream cheese base, perfectly complemented by juicy tomatoes and crisp celery. Feel free to experiment with your own variations – add different spices, herbs, or even some chopped bacon! Get ready for a flavor adventure that's both cool and exciting.

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Main Ingredient Technique Burgers North American

Bacon Jalapeno Burgers With Chipotle Mayonnaise

Fire up the grill for juicy, bacon-wrapped jalapeño burgers topped with creamy chipotle mayonnaise! This recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

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Eggs Dairy Vegetables Equipment Ground Beef

Bastille Burger Bearnaise Blue Cheese And Red Onion Burgers

Celebrate Bastille Day with these gourmet burgers! This recipe combines the rich flavor of Charolais beef (or your favorite!), creamy French blue cheese, and decadent Bearnaise sauce for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. These homemade burgers are perfect for a quick lunch or a special occasion. Enjoy the delightful tang of herbs and salt in the perfectly seasoned patties, complemented by crisp red onions and tangy cornichons. Feel free to customize – make it a "naked" burger for a low-carb option or omit the Bearnaise for a lighter meal. A family and friend favorite!

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Low Saturated Fat Occasion Low Saturated Fat Salads

Avocado Fruit Salad

A vibrant and refreshing avocado fruit salad! This easy recipe combines creamy avocado with your favorite fruits, tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect as a light lunch, healthy snack, or delightful dessert.

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