Old Fashioned Lettuce

Prep: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Old Fashioned Lettuce is a crisp, refreshing salad featuring tender lettuce tossed in a tangy cream dressing with vinegar and a touch of sugar. Perfect for light lunches or as a side dish, it offers a delightful balance of creamy and acidic flavors that appeal to those seeking a classic, simple salad.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup light cream
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • lettuce (head or leaf)

Instructions

  1. Mix light cream, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Break lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Add onion to the lettuce.
  4. Toss the lettuce and onion with the cream dressing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the light cream with buttermilk or sour cream. If you want a bit of crunch, add diced cucumbers or bell peppers. For a touch of sweetness, try incorporating a teaspoon of honey instead of sugar. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can enhance the dressing beautifully, making it a perfect accompaniment for salads or as a topping for dishes like Jenni'S Baked Corn.

Serving Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Lettuce dish is best served chilled. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also complements heartier dishes, making it a great side for barbecued ribs or burgers. For a complete vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a bowl of creamy Frozen Buttermilk Salad as a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce separate to prevent it from wilting. If reheating, avoid using the microwave as it can change the texture of the dressing; instead, let it come to room temperature before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Fashioned Lettuce contains roughly 69 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 547mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).

69 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.8g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 10.5g 4% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 547.2mg 24% DV
Potassium 55.7mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 13.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate. This makes it convenient for dinner parties or meal prep.

What type of lettuce works best for this recipe?

Any type of lettuce can be used, but crisp varieties like romaine or iceberg provide a satisfying crunch. Leafy greens such as butter lettuce will give a more delicate texture. Experiment with different types to find your favorite!

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the light cream with a plant-based cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan-friendly sweetener. This way, you can enjoy a similar creamy dressing while adhering to a vegan diet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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