How to Crisp Lettuce

Last Updated: September 9, 2019 References Approved

Have you ever made a salad with lettuce that just seemed limp or wimpy? This wikiHow article tells you how to make your lettuce more crisp and refreshing with minimal time and effort. Crisper lettuce will make a whole salad seem more fresh and tasty.

Steps

1
Empty 1 or 2 trays of ice into a large bowl.
2
Put lettuce (washed or not) into the bowl.^{[1]
X
Research source}
3
Fill the bowl with cold water, keeping the lettuce as fully submerged as possible.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Wait 15-20 minutes.^{[3]
X
Research source}
5
Remove the lettuce from the water and dry it in a salad spinner.
6
Make salad and serve immediately.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Does soaking lettuce in ice water diminish its food value?

Community Answer

No. Soaking any lettuce in ice cold water for about 10 minutes shouldn't affect the nutrients, and will help crisp up wilted leaves.
Question

I have a pepper that's been sitting on the counter for a couple days and is a little wilted. I thought I had recalled something about using vinegar to somehow put life back in my vegetables, is this accurate?

Community Answer

Vinegar will help your vegetables to last a bit longer, but don't try it more than once, or your vegetables will have the vinegar taste.
Question

Does sugar water crisp lettuce?

Community Answer

Plain water will crisp lettuce pretty well, so there is no need for sugar.
Question

What do I use if I don't have a salad spinner?

Community Answer

Place lettuce in a clean dish towel, and while you’re holding the ends closed, simply swing the towel over your head. Centrifugal force is what does the trick (though you may want to walk outside to do it).

Warnings

Wash your lettuce carefully and thoroughly. Watch out for dead bugs hanging out inside the lettuce--Nothing else will turn your guests off more.

Thanks!
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3