There’s something wonderfully honest about a crisp, cold bowl of Iceberg Lettuce Salad. It doesn’t pretend to be fancy. It just sits there on the table, crunchy and refreshing, ready to balance out whatever rich main dish you’ve got going on.
I learned this from my mother in the summer of 1962, when she’d tear the leaves by hand instead of cutting them she swore a knife bruised the edges and turned them brown too fast. That little trick kept our salads looking fresh right through Sunday supper, and after decades in my own kitchen, I still do it her way.
PrintIceberg Lettuce Salad Recipe Easy Fresh and Delicious
This Iceberg Lettuce Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish made with crunchy lettuce, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side, it showcases fresh American flavors with simple ingredients everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¼ large iceberg lettuce head shredded
- 3 small cucumbers sliced
- 4 small Campari tomatoes sliced
- 6 medium radishes sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, bell pepper, dill, and hemp seeds.
- Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the vegetables, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.
- Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors.
Notes
- Variations to this recipe Substitute a different dressing
- This is such a versatile salad that you can easily make it with other dressings such as ranch Caesar balsamic Italian Russian or Greek Add some nuts and fruit
- Add a little extra crunch with some chopped walnuts almonds pecans or cashews For a sweeter note try it with cranberries diced apple or pear Add protein to it
- You can make this Iceberg Lettuce Salad into a main course by adding some bacon grilled chicken diced tofu sliced steak beans or lentils Make it with more vegetables
- Add or exchange some of the veggies in this dish with carrots beets onion broccoli spinach or mushrooms Just chop them to a similar size
Nutrition
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 742mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g + 12g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
Why You’ll Love This Classic Bowl
This salad takes me back to summer lunches on the porch, when simplicity was the whole point. You’ll get that satisfying crunch in every bite the kind that wakes up your palate and makes you reach for seconds.
- Quick assembly: Just ten minutes from start to finish, no cooking required.
- Fresh and light: Perfect alongside heavier dishes or as a standalone lunch when you want something crisp.
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or change up the dressing without losing that refreshing character.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient brings its own texture and flavor to the bowl. The iceberg lettuce gives you that iconic crunch, while the cucumbers and radishes add cool, peppery notes. Campari tomatoes are sweeter and less watery than regular ones, and the bell pepper contributes a mild crispness.
Fresh dill is the herb that ties everything together with its bright, slightly tangy flavor. Hemp seeds add a nutty richness and a little protein boost. The simple dressing olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and pepper lets all those fresh vegetables shine without masking their natural taste.
How to Make It
Start by gathering your chopped lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, fresh dill, and hemp seeds in a large mixing bowl. Toss them gently so everything mingles together.
Drizzle the olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the top, then season with sea salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing coats every piece. Serve it right away while the lettuce is still cold and crisp that’s when it tastes best.
| Step | What to Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Combine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, dill, and hemp seeds in a bowl | 5 min |
| 2 | Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss well | 2 min |
| 3 | Serve immediately |
Smart Swaps and Variations
If you want to switch things up, try a different dressing like ranch, Caesar, or balsamic this base works beautifully with nearly anything. Add some chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch, or toss in cranberries or diced apple for a hint of sweetness.
Turn it into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, bacon, diced tofu, or beans. You can also swap in carrots, beets, onion, broccoli, or mushrooms for any of the vegetables listed. Just keep the pieces roughly the same size so everything stays balanced.
| Swap Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Dressing | Ranch, Caesar, balsamic, Italian, Russian, Greek |
| Crunch Add-Ins | Walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews |
| Sweet Notes | Cranberries, diced apple, pear |
| Protein Boost | Grilled chicken, bacon, tofu, steak, beans, lentils |
| Extra Veggies | Carrots, beets, onion, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms |
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this Iceberg Lettuce Salad right after tossing that’s when the vegetables are at their crispest and the dressing hasn’t had time to wilt the greens. If you need to prep ahead, keep the vegetables and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Storage note: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one day, but the lettuce will soften. For best results, mix only what you’ll eat immediately and save any extra vegetables undressed.
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FAQs ( Iceberg Lettuce Salad )
How long does this salad stay fresh?
This recipe stays crisp for 2-3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Keep dressing separate until serving to prevent wilting. Store lettuce in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Add fresh toppings just before eating for best texture.
Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can wash and chop all ingredients up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge – lettuce in one container, tomatoes in another, and dressing in a jar. This prevents soggy lettuce and keeps everything at peak freshness when you’re ready to assemble.
What dressing works best with iceberg lettuce?
Ranch, blue cheese, and Italian vinaigrette pair wonderfully with iceberg’s mild flavor and crunchy texture. The neutral taste of iceberg won’t compete with bold dressings. For lighter options, try lemon juice with olive oil or a simple balsamic vinaigrette.
Should I wash iceberg lettuce before cutting?
Always rinse the whole head under cold running water first, then remove outer leaves and cut as needed. After chopping, give pieces another quick rinse and spin dry thoroughly. Proper washing removes dirt and bacteria while the spin cycle ensures your salad won’t be watery.
What toppings complement this crisp salad best?
Classic additions include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, carrots, and croutons for extra crunch. Bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded cheese add protein and richness. Avoid heavy toppings that might overwhelm the light, refreshing nature of this dish.
This Iceberg Lettuce Salad takes just ten minutes from counter to table, and every single bite delivers that satisfying cool crunch that makes you reach for your fork again. You’ll love how bright and clean it tastes the kind of salad that never goes out of style, no matter what’s cooking beside it.
If you’d like a creamier finish, drizzle on a little ranch or Greek yogurt dressing instead of the vinaigrette. Keep any leftovers undressed in the refrigerator so the lettuce stays crisp for tomorrow’s lunch. A trick I learned decades ago: tear the leaves by hand rather than cutting them, and they’ll stay fresher just a little bit longer.
I’d love to hear how this salad showed up at your table did it remind you of a grandmother’s Sunday supper or a potluck from years past? Snap a photo if you make it, and share it with someone who needs a simple, honest recipe they can count on. There’s comfort in the classics, and this one never lets you down.
