What are killed lettuces?

Killed lettuces are leafy greens that have been wilted—or "killed"—by pouring hot bacon grease over them. It’s a traditional Appalachian preparation where the heat softens the greens and infuses them with smoky, tangy flavor.

What is wilted lettuce salad?

Wilted lettuce salad is another name for Killed Lettuce Salad . Both refer to the same dish where hot dressing, often made with bacon fat and vinegar, is used to wilt the greens just before serving.

What is the best lettuce for salad?

For general salads, romaine, Bibb, and green leaf lettuce are great choices. But for Killed Lettuce Salad , you want tender varieties that wilt slightly without becoming mushy. Green leaf, red leaf, or even spring mix blends work best.

Can wilted lettuce be revived?

Yes—if it’s just limp (not slimy or spoiled), you can revive wilted lettuce by soaking it in ice water for 5–10 minutes. It’s a great trick to use before making Killed Lettuce Salad , especially with garden-fresh greens.

Killed Lettuce Salad-Bold Southern Classic You’ll Crave 2025

Name: Killed Lettuce Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern/Appalachian
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh leaf lettuce, torn; 4–5 slices thick-cut bacon; ½ cup chopped green onions or ramps; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 pinch sugar; 1 pinch salt

Description

A warm, tangy, and smoky Southern-style salad made with fresh greens and hot bacon dressing. This Appalachian classic is quick, comforting, and perfect for spring.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups fresh leaf lettuce, torn

4–5 slices thick-cut bacon

½ cup chopped green onions or ramps

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 pinch sugar

1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Tear and wash lettuce; dry thoroughly.

2. Fry bacon until crisp; set aside, keeping 2–3 tbsp grease in the pan.

3. Sauté green onions in the bacon grease for 30 seconds.

4. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt; stir and let it bubble briefly.

5. Pour hot dressing over lettuce and toss quickly to wilt.

6. Crumble bacon on top and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

If using ramps instead of green onions, reduce cook time to avoid bitterness.

Optional add-ins: sliced hard-boiled eggs, crumbled feta, or a touch of mustard in the dressing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern/Appalachian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg