Fresh, crisp, and effortlessly delicious! This Iceberg Lettuce Salad is thinly shredded and dressed with olive oil, salt, and oregano for the perfect light and flavourful side dish. It’s simple, refreshing, and ready in minutes!
Ok, guys, this might just be the easiest recipe I’ve ever posted on this blog. You only need four super basic ingredients (you probably already have at least three of them on hand…) and just a few minutes of your time. Seriously. That’s it.
But don’t be fooled—this iceberg lettuce salad may scream easy (so easy, I’m wondering if we can even call it a recipe!), but it’s definitely packed with flavour. In fact, this salad always reminds me of my mama because she still makes it all the time to this day. It’s just the best side dish that goes with so many different things!
I am a proud salad lover through and through, so you knoooow I’ve gotta keep some good ones on my roster. Whether I’m figuring out what to serve next to my grilled chicken for a casual Tuesday night dinner or planning the menu for a weekend gathering with friends, a fresh, flavourful salad is always in the mix. And let me tell you—this iceberg lettuce salad is one of those simple yet perfect go-to sides that never disappoints!
The key to this simple salad is the thinly sliced lettuce, a good-quality extra virgin olive oil, and the perfect balance of salt and oregano. You might notice in the recipe card below that I leave the measurements out (sorry if that gives you anxiety, lol), but for this one, you’ll really want to measure with your heart (and your eyes and mouth!) to get the perfect taste.
So, today, let’s put it together for realizing that simple can actually be this good.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AN ICEBERG LETTUCE SALAD
This iceberg lettuce salad is a breeze to put together, but the flavour is anything but basic. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a fresh, crisp side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Here’s what you’ll need in a little bit more detail:
- Iceberg Lettuce: The star of the show! Iceberg lettuce is known for its crisp texture and refreshing crunch. It has a mild flavour, making it the perfect base for this simple salad. Its high water content also makes it incredibly refreshing, especially when chilled. You’ll want to thinly shred it for maximum texture and ease of eating.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil brings a rich, fruity flavour to the salad. It’s key to balancing the mild taste of the iceberg lettuce. Olive oil also acts as the perfect medium to carry the other flavors in the dressing. Since olive oil is an integral part of this recipe, I don’t recommend using a different kind of oil in its place.
- Oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavour to the salad. It’s a simple herb, but it brings a depth that makes this salad stand out. Oregano complements the olive oil perfectly and gives a nice Mediterranean touch to the dish. Dried oregano works best in this iceberg lettuce salad recipe.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the natural flavours of the ingredients. It helps draw out the moisture from the lettuce, which adds to the overall flavour profile. Just be sure to start with a little—you can always add more to taste!
HOW TO MAKE A SALAD WITH ICEBERG LETTUCE (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for iceberg lettuce salad in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Shred the lettuce thinly. To get the perfect texture, make sure to thinly shred the iceberg lettuce. This allows for an even distribution of the dressing and gives the salad a nice, delicate bite. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces.
- Use fresh, high-quality olive oil. Since the olive oil is a key ingredient in the dressing, opt for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. A fresh, flavourful olive oil will really make a difference in how the salad tastes.
- Season to taste. Salt and oregano are the basic seasonings here, but feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. If you prefer a saltier salad, add a little more salt. Or if you want more of that herby kick, go for extra oregano. It’s all about balancing the flavours to your liking!
- Chill the lettuce. If you’re looking for an extra refreshing salad, chill the shredded lettuce in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before mixing it with the dressing. Cold lettuce makes the salad feel even more crisp and refreshing!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, iceberg lettuce is great for salads! Known for its crisp texture and refreshing crunch, it adds a light, satisfying bite to any dish. While it has a mild flavour compared to other lettuce varieties, it serves as the perfect base for salads, especially when you want a fresh and crisp contrast to bolder ingredients. Its high water content makes it incredibly refreshing, and it’s a great option for those looking for a low-calorie, hydrating component in their salad. Plus, its mild flavour pairs wonderfully with almost any dressing, making it a versatile choice for many salad recipes. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a mix, iceberg lettuce is always a crowd-pleaser!
Yes, you should always wash wrapped iceberg lettuce before using it. Even though it’s often pre-wrapped and looks clean, lettuce can still carry dirt, bacteria, or pesticides on its outer leaves. Washing it thoroughly ensures that any residual contaminants are removed, providing a safer, fresher taste. Simply remove the outer leaves, rinse the remaining lettuce under cold water, and dry it well with a paper towel or salad spinner to prevent excess moisture.
To keep iceberg lettuce crisp after washing, it’s important to remove excess moisture. After rinsing the lettuce, gently pat it dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible. Once dry, store the lettuce in the refrigerator, ideally in a produce drawer, in a perforated plastic bag or container with a paper towel inside. The paper towel helps absorb any remaining moisture, preventing the lettuce from wilting. If you plan to store it for a few days, you can even refrigerate it wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for extra crispness. Proper storage helps maintain its crunch and freshness until you’re ready to enjoy it!
I don’t recommend freezing iceberg lettuce if you want to preserve its crisp texture. When frozen, the high water content in the lettuce expands, causing it to lose its crunch and become mushy once thawed. While you can technically freeze it, the texture will change significantly, making it less ideal for fresh salads.
However, if you plan to use it in cooked dishes like soups or stir-fries, freezing might be a viable option. To freeze, chop or shred the lettuce, blanch it briefly in boiling water, then cool and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep in mind, though, that the texture will not be the same as fresh lettuce once thawed.
Iceberg lettuce salad typically lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge, but its freshness largely depends on how it’s stored. To ensure it stays crisp, store your salad in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag, and be sure to remove any excess moisture, as it can cause the lettuce to wilt faster.
If you’ve already dressed the salad, it may only last about a day before the lettuce begins to soften. For best results, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to preserve the crunch. If you want to keep the lettuce extra fresh, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture, which will help extend its shelf life.
MORE GREAT SALAD IDEAS
FRESH BASIL, TOMATO, AND MOZZARELLA SALAD
MEXICAN STREET CORN PASTA SALAD
SPINACH SALAD WITH PEARS, WALNUTS, AND BLUE CHEESE
TUNA SALAD WITH HARD BOILED EGGS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
ICEBERG LETTUCE SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil to taste
- Dried Oregano to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by removing the outer leaves of the iceberg lettuce and discarding any that are wilted or damaged. Cut the head of lettuce into quarters, then thinly shred each quarter. You want super thin, bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the dressing. Add to a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the lettuce. Start with a few tablespoons, and then adjust to your preference. The goal is to lightly coat the lettuce, not drown it. Sprinkle salt and dried oregano over the salad. Start with a pinch of salt and about 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, then taste and adjust as needed. You want just enough salt to enhance the flavour and oregano to add a nice herby kick.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure the dressing and seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and add more olive oil, salt, or oregano as needed. Once everything is mixed to your liking, serve immediately.
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Notes
Nutrition
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