Shredded Lettuce
Crisp, refreshing shredded lettuce tossed with a light lemony dressing. This simple side salad takes just 5 minutes and brings a clean, crunchy contrast to rich meals like burgers, grilled meats, or pasta.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Shred the lettuce.
1.Remove any wilted outer leaves from the iceberg lettuce head.2.Cut the head in half through the core, then cut out and discard the core from each half.3.Place each half cut-side down and slice very thinly crosswise to create fine shreds.TIPA sharp chef's knife makes clean cuts; a dull knife bruises the leaves. - prep · ~2 min
Wash and dry the shredded lettuce.
1.Place shredded lettuce in a colander and rinse under cold water.2.Drain well, then spin dry in a salad spinner or pat thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.3.Ensure lettuce is completely dry so the dressing clings properly.TIPWet lettuce dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy. - mix · ~1 min
Dress and toss the salad.
1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.2.Add the dried shredded lettuce.3.Toss gently with tongs or clean hands until every shred is lightly coated. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving bowl or plate alongside the main dish. Serve right away while the lettuce is crisp and cold.
TIPChill the serving bowl for 5 minutes beforehand to keep the salad extra cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a sharp chef's knife to get clean, fine shreds without bruising the lettuce.
- 2After washing, spin the lettuce in a salad spinner until bone-dry so the dressing clings.
- 3Chill the serving bowl for 5 minutes beforehand to keep the salad extra cold at the table.
- 4Toss the dressed lettuce gently with your hands to avoid crushing the shreds.
- 5Make the dressing first in the bowl, then add the lettuce and toss immediately before serving.
- 6For extra crunch, tear the iceberg into larger shards instead of shredding finely.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy herb
Swap the lemon-olive oil dressing for a blend of Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped dill, and a tiny splash of milk for a ranch-style take.
asian styleAsian-style
Replace olive oil with toasted sesame oil and lemon juice with rice vinegar; add a pinch of sugar and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for heat lovers.
crunchy mix inCrunchy mix-in
Toss in shaved radishes, thin cucumber ribbons, or crushed tortilla chips right before serving for extra texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low Calorie & Hydrating
Iceberg lettuce is over 95% water, making this side salad extremely low in calories while helping with hydration.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health when used in moderation.
Vitamin C Boost
Fresh lemon juice adds a small but welcome dose of vitamin C, which aids immune function and iron absorption.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can shred and wash the lettuce up to 24 hours in advance, but store it dry in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the fridge. Dress only right before serving.
