Wilted Lettuce Salad
Wilted lettuce salad is an old-fashioned, comforting dish made with crispy bacon, green onions, and a sweet-tangy warm dressing. It’s the perfect way to use up lettuce and create a cozy, craveable side for any meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 213 kcal
- 4 cups leaf lettuce (torn)
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 green onions
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crisp bacon: Fry in skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, crumble when cool.
Sauté onions: Add green onions to hot bacon drippings, stir for about one minute until softened.
Mix dressing: Whisk vinegar and sugar into drippings, stirring until dissolved and bubbly.
Combine lettuce: Place torn lettuce in a large bowl, pour hot dressing right on top.
Toss salad: Add crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper, and toss well using tongs to coat leaves.
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Slightly wilted lettuce soaks up flavors much better than crisp new leaves for this.
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Bacon fat carries most flavors, but don’t skimp on vinegar or sugar for balance.
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Add bacon right before serving for the best crunch and taste every single time.
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If making ahead, keep dressing and lettuce separate until ready to eat.
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Season salad right before serving—salt wilts greens over time.