Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to Asian lettuce cups, BLT wraps, layered salads and so much more.
35 Lettuce Recipes You Can Get Excited About
Updated on Nov. 17, 2022
Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps
Casual, flavorful and low in carbohydrates, these Vietnamese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a perfect and low-fuss way to feed a group. Place the ingredients in separate dishes and let your guests assemble their own wrap, which allows them to personalize to suit their tastes. —Gretchen Barnes, Fairfax, Virginia
1/35
2/35
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
3/35
Warm Rice & Pintos Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 331 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/35
Mexican Layered Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s another popular dish I like to prepare in advance, adding the cheese and chips just before serving. It’s a slightly different version of the traditional layered salad. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 371 calories, 35g fat (6g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
5/35
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/35
Hoisin Meatball Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these tangy-sweet appetizers every year during the holidays, and it doesn't take long for them to disappear.—Elaine Sweet, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 69 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
7/35
BLT Wraps
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I used to make these easy wrap-ups for summer days at the lake with our entire family. These days, we love to bring them to picnics and days in the park. —Jonnah Burks, Brighton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 409 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
8/35
Tropical Layered Chicken Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fresh and delicious recipe that is a big hit whenever I take it to a potluck—it's always the first to go! —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 483 calories, 26g fat (4g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
9/35
Turkey Salad on Wheat Bread
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When one of my favorite lunch spots closed, this recipe let me hold on to more than just good memories. The peas, bacon and cheese are such a fun and springy combo. I make big batches of the salad for parties—turns out I'm not the only fan! —Merrijane Rice, Kaysville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 425 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
10/35
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
11/35
Nectarine Arugula Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a summer salad that brightens any supper. The homemade dressing with a hint of berries is perfect with arugula, nectarines and blue cheese. —Christine Laba, Arlington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 101 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/35
Harvest Salad with Lime-Curry Dressing
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/3 cups each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this salad recipe to help me impress my new husband who loves citrus. We serve the dressing over greens we harvest from our garden—the lime and curry make a fantastic pairing. —Rachel Muilenburg, Prineville, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 162 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
13/35
14/35
Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edible salad bowls look impressive but are a cinch to make. It can be your little secret! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
15/35
Mediterranean Romaine Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 196 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
16/35
Chicken Tostada Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I don't have any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I just heat taco shells, break them in half and lay them flat on the plates. It works just as well. Great Southwest flavor! —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 322 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1364mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
17/35
Strawberry-Chicken Pasta Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I figured out how to re-create this restaurant dish at home, my family was so excited. For a different spin, use raspberries or peaches instead of strawberries. —Jane Ozment, Purcell, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 450 calories, 20g fat (3g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 492mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 39g protein.
18/35
Tuna and White Bean Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. This easy recipe makes a quick dinner or lunch at the office, and it's good for you. —Heather Senger, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 279 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
19/35
Hearty Asian Lettuce Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatless version of your favorite restaurant salad packs 13 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with juicy flavor. It's a brilliant choice for lunch or a busy-day dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 329 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
20/35
Fresh Spring Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to turn salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead—experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 spring rolls: 356 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/35
Blueberry Romaine Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bring this delicious salad to school gatherings. The homemade dressing couldn't be simpler, so I whip it up in advance and just give it a quick toss with the other ingredients when I get to any event. —Kris Bristol, Charlotte, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 443 calories, 40g fat (6g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
22/35
Cherry-Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this amazing recipe when I had a load of cherries on hand. My family polished them off fast, and asked for more. Luckily I had enough fruit to make them again the next day! —Melissa Barlow, Fruit Heights, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce wraps: 257 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
23/35
Tortellini & Chicken Caesar Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loved this pasta salad right from the start, so these days I serve it a lot. When grilling season hits, I grill the chicken as a special treat. —Lee Reese, Rolla, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2-2/3 cups: 601 calories, 34g fat (9g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 1539mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.
24/35
Mandarin Orange & Romaine Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A tangy salad of romaine, celery and oranges with tarragon vinegar and hot pepper sauce makes a cool companion for turkey dishes. —Cathy Pawlowski, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
25/35
Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's one of many reasons we love tomato season. Chopped salads are so simple and such a fantastic way to eat fresh. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/3 cups salad with about 2 tablespoons dressing: 348 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
26/35
Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A wedge salad gets the creamy treatment when topped with blue cheese dressing. Keep the dressing as a topper, or make it a dip for Buffalo wings. —Jenn Smith, East Providence, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
27/35
Thai-Style Cobb Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings (3/4 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 382 calories, 25g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
28/35
Bacon-Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this wonderful bacon salad that tastes like a piled-high BLT without the time or effort. You can make it hours ahead and keep it in the fridge till serving time. —Denise Thurman, Columbia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 268 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
29/35
Green Salad with Dill Dressing
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a big holiday meal, a light colorful salad is the perfect side dish, especially with this flavorful dressing. I like to make this pretty, tasty salad for the holidays or anytime. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
30/35
Overnight Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This layered salad is a family favorite from a church cookbook I've had for 40 years. The bacon adds a fabulous crunch. —Mary Brehm, Cape Coral, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 206 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
31/35
Northwest Salmon Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings (1 cup dressing)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love that I can use my favorite Northwest ingredients—salmon, blueberries and hazelnuts—all in one recipe. The salmon
and dressing make a tasty sandwich too. —Davis Clevenger, Dexter, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad with 1/4 cup dressing: 305 calories, 18g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
32/35
Holiday Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Light with a hint of sweetness, this lettuce salad recipe will make everyone excited to eat their fruits and vegetables. —Bryan Braack, Eldridge, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 144 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/35
Shrimp Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Jane and I have a favorite lunch spot that serves a fantastic salad on Wednesdays. I made my own version at home so I can share it with my family and eat it whenever I want. Save a lot of prep time and buy peeled, deveined shrimp and pre-washed lettuce. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 405 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
34/35
Asian Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is as tasty as the lettuce wraps found in national restaurants, but it's healthier! — Linda Rowley, Richardson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 lettuce wraps: 259 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
35/35
Italian Fresh Vegetable Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garden-fresh veggies are a hit at community potlucks. I carry the dressing in a Mason jar to add just before serving. — Jeanette Hildebrand, Stafford, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 84 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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