Sweet Lettuce Salad

4 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: PT0M Total: 10 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Sweet Lettuce Salad
Grandma always had fresh lettuce in her vegetable garden; this was a daily dish during the spring and fall months. A simple, old-fashioned salad with crisp lettuce leaves, white vinegar, and sugar. Because they stay crisp, romaine leaves are great to use for this recipe also.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 head lettuce leaves, washed and drained
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or Splenda

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Method 1 - In a medium bowl combine vinegar, water and sugar. Stir with a whisk until sugar is dissolved. Pour over cleaned lettuce leaves and toss to mix well. Then sprinkle additional sugar on top of the leaves.
  2. Method 2 - Sprinkle undiluted vinegar directly on the leaves according to taste and toss. Sprinkle sugar directly over the leaves and toss lightly. Chill and serve when ready to eat.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my lettuce wilting after adding the dressing?

A: Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly drained after washing, and if using Method 1, serve immediately or wait to dress until just before serving. The vinegar and sugar mixture will cause lettuce to wilt over time.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: It's best to prepare the vinegar-sugar mixture ahead, but only toss it with the lettuce right before serving to keep the leaves crisp. If using Method 2, definitely dress at the last minute.

Tips and Techniques

For the crispest salad, use romaine or iceberg lettuce and make sure leaves are completely dry before dressing. You can spin them in a salad spinner or pat gently with a clean kitchen towel.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • white vinegar: apple cider vinegar
  • granulated sugar: Splenda or other sugar substitute
  • iceberg lettuce: romaine or leaf lettuce

Equipment Needed

  • medium bowl
  • whisk
  • salad spinner (optional but helpful)

Historical Context

This old-fashioned salad dates back to a time when homemade dressings were simple pantry staples—vinegar, sugar, and water. It was especially popular in Southern gardens during spring and fall when lettuce grew abundantly and needed to be used fresh.