Lettuce Leave

Lactuca sativa Vegetable, Leafy Green, Salad Base

Lettuce Leave Vegetable, Leafy Green, Salad Base

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Leafy Green, Salad Base

The Forktionary Angle

"Beyond the salad bowl: unlocking the fresh versatility of lettuce."

Definition

The crisp, leafy green part of the lettuce plant, widely used as a base for salads, wraps, and sandwich fillings.

Ideal Storage Temperature 32-35°F (0-2°C)
Primary Vitamin Source Vitamin K, Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
Water Content (%) ~95%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lettuce Leave are:

Fresh Mild Slightly Bitter (some varieties) Crisp

Chef’s Secret

To revive slightly wilted lettuce, submerge it in ice water for 15-20 minutes; it will dramatically crisp up due to cellular rehydration.

Best Substitutes

Spinach

for nutritional value
Ratio 1:1

Cabbage leaves

for wraps
Ratio 1:1

Arugula

for peppery flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for crisp, vibrant leaves without wilting or brown spots; store in an airtight container with a damp paper towel.

Recipes Using Lettuce Leave

60 Minutes Or Less Brunch Healthy Low Fat

Asian Roll Lettuce Wrap Fun For The Entire Family

Whip up this easy, vibrant, and healthy Asian-inspired meal in just 50 minutes! Juicy turkey meatballs, fluffy rice, and crisp veggies are nestled in fresh lettuce cups for a fun and flavorful experience the whole family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

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Cuisine Preparation Cuisine Finger Food

Avocado Blt Sandwiches

Elevated twist on a classic! This Avocado BLT recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Creamy avocado adds a decadent richness to crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

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Burgers Sandwiches 60 Minutes Or Less Meat

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Burgers

These Bacon Cheddar Ranch Burgers are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a late-night whim, this recipe delivers juicy, cheesy patties topped with crispy bacon and a creamy ranch dressing. Forget the buns – these are incredible on toasted bread, too! Get ready for a mouthwatering burger experience that's quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious.

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Barbeque Tofu Po Boys

Experience the Big Easy's iconic flavors with these incredible vegan Barbeque Tofu Po' Boys! Crispy tofu marinated in tangy BBQ sauce, sweet and spicy caramelized onions, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and briny pickles all come together in a perfectly toasted roll with creamy vegan mayo. This recipe is a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a taste of New Orleans, reinvented!

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make South West Pacific Meat

Aloha Burgers

Taste the Hawaiian sunshine with these Aloha Burgers! This recipe, inspired by a Hawaiian island adventure, brings back cherished memories with every bite. Customize your burger paradise by adding bacon (or not!), and swapping cheeses to match your mood. Get ready for juicy patties, sweet pineapple, and a taste of the tropics!

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Easy North American Course 30 Minutes Or Less

All American Cheeseburgers

Fire up the grill and get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful All-American Cheeseburgers you've ever tasted! Perfect for summer BBQs, football Sundays, or any get-together, this recipe is easily scaled for a crowd. These burgers are packed with flavor and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Occasion Taste Mood Oven Preparation

Baked Taco Bowl Salad

Craving a fun, flavorful, and easy dinner? This Baked Taco Bowl Salad is your answer! Crispy baked tortilla bowls are loaded with seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and your favorite toppings. We use Lawry's Taco Seasoning for that authentic taste (or try our copycat recipe!), making this a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights. Customize it with your favorite veggies – peppers, onions, whatever you like! Served with a dollop of sour cream and salsa on the side.

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Low In Something Low Calorie Easy For 1 Or 2

Asian Chicken Pitas

Enjoy all the delicious flavors of an egg roll, without the deep frying! This quick and easy recipe features juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a vibrant Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a light lunch or weeknight dinner. Try it with our recommended sauce (Recipe #33113 by bergy or Recipe #89827 by miraklegirl from myrecipes.com), or get creative with your own favorite!

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Cuisine Poultry 30 Minutes Or Less Salads

Avocado And Chicken Salad With Yummies

This vibrant Avocado & Chicken Salad is a lighter take on a summertime classic! Packed with fresh flavors like juicy grapes, crisp apple, and crunchy celery, this recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Enjoy it in croissant sandwiches, on a bed of lettuce, or as a refreshing standalone salad. Get ready for a taste explosion! (Prep time excludes chicken cooking time)

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Lunch Time To Make Preparation Brunch

Asian Lettuce Wraps Vegetarian

A vibrant and flavorful vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe inspired by Vegetarian Times Magazine (2003)! These easy-to-make wraps are packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables, savory tofu, and a delectable miso-sesame dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or a healthy weeknight dinner.

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Main Ingredient Summer Easy Southwestern United States

Avocado Mango Salad

This vibrant Avocado Mango Salad is a fiesta for your taste buds! Packed with Vitamin A-rich avocados and sweet mango, this 5-minute recipe is the perfect healthy and flavorful side dish for your favorite Mexican cuisine. From enchiladas and quesadillas to tacos, this salad adds a creamy, refreshing contrast that will elevate your meal. Don't worry about the healthy fats – they're delicious!

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Greens Greens Equipment Course

Beef Avocado Wraps

Transform leftover cooked beef into a delicious and satisfying meal with these easy Beef Avocado Wraps! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch. We're combining savory beef, creamy avocado, and melty cheese in warm tortillas for a flavor explosion. Heat them up for a gooey cheese pull and perfectly blended flavors, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing twist.

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Occasion 15 Minutes Or Less Lunch Time To Make

Apple Tuna Sandwiches

This award-winning recipe from Taste of Home, submitted by Ivy Eresmas, transforms ordinary tuna salad into a delightful culinary experience! Sweet pickle relish, crisp apples, crunchy celery, and walnuts create a surprisingly addictive sweet and tangy flavor profile that even tuna skeptics will adore. The sweetness beautifully balances the tuna's taste, making this sandwich a refreshing and satisfying meal. Elevate your lunch with this unique twist—we highly recommend serving it on Hawaiian sweet bread for an extra touch of deliciousness!

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Spicy Occasion Spicy Easy

Bang Bang Shrimp Copycat From Bonefish Grill

Recreate the addictive Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp at home! This copycat recipe delivers the same crispy, spicy, and creamy deliciousness you crave. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch served over a salad, this recipe is quick, easy, and unbelievably satisfying. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Cuisine Easy Occasion Kid Friendly

8 For 8 Broiled Blt Burgers For A Bunch

Save money and impress your family with these juicy, homemade BLT burgers! This recipe is easily scalable, perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party. Learn how to make 8 quarter-pounders for under $8 using simple ingredients and smart shopping strategies. We'll show you how to maximize flavor and minimize costs by buying in bulk when items are on sale and freezing them for later use (except the veggies, of course!). Forget expensive fast food – these burgers are far superior and a fraction of the price! This recipe was originally created to feed over 30 hungry men and was a HUGE hit! Get ready to savor the irresistible combination of perfectly broiled beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all nestled between toasted buns.

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Lunch Lunch Eggs Dairy Occasion

Auntie Andi's Egg Salad For Little's Little 1 Longmeadow

This delightful egg salad recipe, inspired by fresh farm eggs, is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a Saturday lunch. Using a base of vibrant, sometimes green-tinted, farm-fresh eggs, this recipe skips the heavy mayonnaise for a lighter, healthier twist. The addition of crunchy Utz potato chips and refreshing bean sprouts adds delightful texture, complemented by the aromatic freshness of basil or chives. The recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners, yet delivers a sophisticated taste. Enjoy the heavenly aroma of toasted bread, the vibrant colors, and the pure taste of farm-to-table goodness!

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30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Barbecue American

Bacon Jack Chicken Sandwiches

Fire up the grill for these juicy Bacon Jack Chicken Sandwiches! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these sandwiches are topped with crispy bacon, melted pepper jack cheese, and your favorite fresh toppings. A quick and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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