Wilted Lettuce Dressing

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Wilted Lettuce Dressing offers a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements fresh leaf lettuce. Its simple, homemade vinaigrette is ideal for salads, providing a light yet flavorful addition to meals. Suitable for casual lunches or family dinners, it enhances any green salad with a touch of sweetness.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, vinegar, oil, and salt together until well combined.
  2. Pour the dressing over cut-up leaf lettuce.
  3. Toss gently to coat the lettuce evenly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier dressing, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can also reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet flavor. Use a mild oil, like canola or vegetable oil, to keep the dressing light. This dressing works well with other greens too, so feel free to experiment with spinach or arugula for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

This wilted lettuce dressing pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or as a topping for grilled vegetables. Serve alongside grilled meats or fish to enhance your meal. For a complete dish, consider serving with herb-roasted potatoes or a simple protein like chicken or tofu for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give it a good shake, as the ingredients may separate. It's best to add the dressing to lettuce just before serving to prevent wilting.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Wilted Lettuce Dressing contains roughly 339 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

339 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 30.2g 39% DV
Carbs 17.6g 6% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 494.5mg 21% DV
Potassium 170.7mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 20.1mg 2% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

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 this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate. It's best used within a week for optimal freshness.

What types of lettuce are best for this dressing?

Leafy greens like romaine or butter lettuce are ideal for this dressing, as they hold up well. However, you can also use spinach or mixed greens for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to toss gently to avoid bruising the leaves.

Can I substitute the sugar with a different sweetener?

Absolutely! You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. If you're looking for a low-calorie option, consider stevia or agave syrup. Just adjust to taste, as different sweeteners have varying levels of sweetness.

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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