There’s something so satisfying about the snap of fresh, cold lettuce under your fork. Iceberg Lettuce Salad is that go-to side dish that never disappoints crisp, light, and ridiculously easy to throw together when you need something simple on the table fast.
I’ve been photographing salads in test kitchens since 2016, and this one always photographs like a dream because it stays so crisp and bright. The secret? Ice-cold water and a good spin in the salad spinner it keeps every leaf crunchy and ready to hold whatever dressing you love. One food stylist I worked with in Dallas swore by adding just a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, and honestly, it works every time.
Thomas Baker
Iceberg Lettuce Salad Recipe Easy Fresh and Delicious
Enjoy a crisp and refreshing Iceberg Lettuce Salad that combines crunchy lettuce, fresh vegetables, and a light, tangy dressing. This simple salad is perfect as a quick side or a healthy snack that everyone will appreciate.
Start by placing the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumbers, Campari tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, chopped dill, and hemp seeds into a large bowl.
Gently toss all the vegetables and seeds together to mix evenly.
Pour in the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle the salt and pepper over the salad.
Carefully combine everything again until the dressing coats all ingredients.
Serve the salad right away to enjoy its fresh flavors and crunchy texture.
Notes
For a twist, try swapping the dressing with ranch, Caesar, or balsamic varieties. Add nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch or mix in fruits such as cranberries or diced apples for sweetness. Boost protein by adding grilled chicken, bacon, tofu, or beans. Feel free to switch up the vegetables with carrots, beets, spinach, or mushrooms chopped similarly.
Why You’ll Love This Iceberg Lettuce Salad
This salad hits all the right notes when you need something fresh, crunchy, and colorful on the table in minutes. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but couldn’t be simplerjust chop, toss, and serve.
Ridiculously quick: Ten minutes from fridge to fork, no cooking required.
Stays crisp: Iceberg lettuce holds its crunch beautifully, even when dressed.
Bright and colorful: Every bite delivers a mix of textures and colors that photograph like a dream.
Endlessly versatile: Swap the dressing, add protein, or toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this bowl comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your crisper drawer. The dressing is a simple apple cider vinegar and olive oil mix that lets the vegetables shine without overpowering them.
The stars of the show: shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumbers, Campari tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, fresh dill, and hemp seeds for a nutty crunch. The dressing is just apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and pepperclean, bright, and balanced.
Pro Tip: Use ice-cold vegetables straight from the fridge. It makes a noticeable difference in how crisp and refreshing each bite tastes.
How to Make It
Start by placing your shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, chopped dill, and hemp seeds into a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together gently so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Then drizzle in the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, followed by the sea salt and pepper. Mix everything well until the dressing coats all the vegetables. Serve immediately while everything is still crisp and cold.
Step
What to Do
1
Add lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell pepper, dill, and hemp seeds to a large bowl
2
Toss ingredients together gently
3
Drizzle olive oil and apple cider vinegar over the top
4
Add sea salt and pepper, then mix well
5
Serve immediately
Simple Swaps and Variations
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can change up the dressing completelyranch, Caesar, balsamic, or Greek yogurt-based dressings all work beautifully here.
Want more crunch? Toss in some chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. For a touch of sweetness, add dried cranberries or diced apple. You can also bulk it up with grilled chicken, bacon, tofu, or even beans to make it a full meal.
Serve this salad right after tossing for maximum crunch. It pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, sandwiches, or as a light lunch on its own. I’ve served it alongside barbecue chicken and shrimp countless timesit balances out richer mains perfectly.
Storage note: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep ahead, keep the vegetables and dressing separate in the fridge, then toss together just before serving. Once dressed, it will start to soften within an hour or two.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Dressed salad (fridge)
1–2 hours for best texture
Undressed vegetables (fridge)
Up to 2 days in an airtight container
Dressing (fridge)
Up to 5 days in a sealed jar
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FAQs ( Iceberg Lettuce Salad )
How long does this salad stay fresh?
This recipe stays crisp for 2-3 days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent wilting. Store in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Always add delicate toppings like croutons just before eating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the lettuce and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Wash, dry, and chop all ingredients, then store them separately in the fridge. Mix everything together with dressing right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What dressing works best with iceberg lettuce?
Ranch, blue cheese, and Italian dressings complement the mild flavor perfectly. Creamy dressings cling well to the crisp leaves, while vinaigrettes add a nice tang. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and add more as needed to avoid overdressing.
How do I keep the lettuce extra crispy?
Soak chopped lettuce in ice water for 10-15 minutes, then thoroughly dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. This technique removes any bitterness and creates maximum crispness. Keep everything chilled until ready to serve for the best crunch.
What toppings pair well with this dish?
Bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and croutons are classic choices. Sliced hard-boiled eggs, red onion, and cucumber add extra flavor and nutrition. Choose 3-4 toppings to avoid overwhelming the fresh, clean taste of the base.
Your New Go-To Side Dish
This Iceberg Lettuce Salad comes together in just ten minutes, and the crunch stays perfect from the first bite to the last. You’ll love how bright and refreshing it looks on the tableit photographs beautifully and tastes even better. Simple ingredients, big payoff, every single time.
Want to switch things up? Toss in grilled chicken for a heartier meal, or swap the dressing for ranch when you’re craving something creamy. Store the dressing separately if you’re prepping aheada trick I picked up shooting recipe videos in test kitchensand your vegetables will stay crisp for days.
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag me, or tell me what you added to make it your own. Did your family have a favorite salad growing up that looked anything like this? Save this recipe and share it with someone who needs a quick, fresh side dish in their life.
