Crispy and Delicious Lettuce Salad (Fresh Lettuce Salad) – No Watery Results!
Crispy and Delicious Lettuce Salad (Fresh Lettuce Salad) – No Watery Results!
Vegetarian Recipe: Fresh Lettuce Salad & Seasoning Secret for a Perfect Crunch
Here’s a fantastic fresh lettuce salad that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip this up in just 5 minutes! It’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 basket mixed lettuce (approx. 200-250g)
- 40g red cabbage (about 1/4 small head)
- 1/2 medium onion (approx. 75g)
Salad Dressing- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (for coating vegetables)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (or sesame salt)
- Pinch of salt (to adjust seasoning at the end)
- 1.5 Tbsp corn syrup (for coating vegetables)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (or sesame salt)
- Pinch of salt (to adjust seasoning at the end)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients for your crispy and delicious fresh lettuce salad. Thinly slice the onion and red cabbage, and ensure the lettuce is thoroughly washed and dried. Proper preparation is key to a great salad!
Step 2
Rinse the lettuce leaves several times under cold running water. After rinsing, drain them very well. You can use a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Large leaves can be torn into bite-sized pieces by hand. Removing excess water is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming soggy and watery.
Step 3
Wash and prepare the onion and red cabbage. Slice them into thin julienne strips. The thinner you slice them, the better the dressing will coat the vegetables and the more pleasant the texture will be.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained lettuce, thinly sliced onion, and red cabbage. Get ready to toss everything together for a wonderful salad!
Step 5
Here’s my secret tip for keeping this lettuce salad perfectly crisp and preventing it from getting watery: Before adding the main dressing ingredients, toss the vegetables with 1.5 tablespoons of corn syrup. This creates a light coating that seals in moisture and helps the dressing adhere better, enhancing the flavor.
Step 6
Gently toss the vegetables with the corn syrup to ensure an even coating. Be careful not to crush the lettuce; a light and gentle mix is best to maintain its crispness.
Step 7
Now it’s time to add the rest of the dressing ingredients. Add 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). Finish by sprinkling in 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds.
Step 8
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste! If you prefer it tangier, add a little more vinegar. For more sweetness, increase the sugar or corn syrup. Adding about 0.5 tsp of minced garlic is also a great way to boost the flavor profile.
Step 9
Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, gently toss everything together, using a light hand to avoid bruising the lettuce. The goal is to coat the vegetables evenly without wilting them. Taste and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed to perfect the seasoning. Your fresh, delicious lettuce salad is ready to serve!
