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Wilted Lettuce Recipe

A warm, tangy Southern salad made with fresh leaf lettuce, crispy bacon, and a hot apple cider vinegar dressing, ready in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 10 slices bacon, cut into smaller pieces
  • 2 tbsp reserved bacon grease
  • 1/4  cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 large head leaf lettuce, washed, dried, and torn
  • 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until fully crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Pour off most of the grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
  • Let grease cool slightly, then pour in the apple cider vinegar. Stir and scrape up browned bits from the pan bottom.
  • Warm the dressing over low heat until it just simmers.
  • Place dried lettuce and sliced onion in a large bowl.
  • Pour the hot dressing over the lettuce and toss immediately to wilt the leaves.
  • Let sit 2 to 3 minutes, add the crispy bacon back in, toss to combine, and serve right away.

Video

Notes

  • No apple cider vinegar? Use white vinegar but start with slightly less since it's sharper.
  • Dry the lettuce completely before adding the dressing to avoid splattering and a diluted flavor.
  • Serve immediately. This dish does not hold well and is best eaten within 10 minutes of making.