Stuffed Lettuce, Country Style
A refreshing, savory stuffed lettuce dish featuring Roquefort, ground carrots, pimento, and green pepper, perfect for light lunches or elegant appetizers. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select a firm head of lettuce and remove the center, leaving a good shell.
- Wash and drain the lettuce.
- Chop the lettuce from the center very fine and mix with the remaining ingredients.
- Pack the mixture firmly but carefully into the lettuce shell.
- Wrap in waxed paper or cheesecloth and chill.
- Slice and serve with French dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider using feta cheese instead of Roquefort for a milder flavor. You can also add chopped nuts for extra crunch or substitute the pimento with sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste. Be sure to choose crisp lettuce to ensure your stuffed shells hold their shape well. If you're short on time, pre-shredded carrots can save you some prep.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed lettuce pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette or French dressing for an added flavor boost. Serve alongside a refreshing side salad or with crusty bread to make a complete meal. For a more substantial spread, consider adding dishes like Country Fair Shortbread Cookies for dessert to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, it's best to keep the filling separate until ready to serve. If reheating, do so gently in the microwave on low power to avoid wilting the lettuce too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Lettuce, Country Style contains roughly 17 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1763mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
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 filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to assemble it into the lettuce shells right before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
What type of lettuce works best for stuffing?
Iceberg or romaine lettuce are ideal choices because they have sturdy leaves that hold their shape well when stuffed. Avoid softer types like leaf lettuce, as they may tear easily.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the Roquefort cheese you use is made without animal rennet if you're looking for a completely vegetarian option.
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).