Have you ever heard of Killed Salad, Scalded Lettuce, Wilted Lettuce, Kilt Lettuce, Wilted Salad or Killed Lettuce? It’s a traditional Appalachian dish. I had never heard of it before until I was reading a post from Blind Pig & The Acorn .
I’m always intrigued by the many traditions of southern cooking and how they can vary in different regions. This is a basic dish of torn lettuce and green onions dressed in a hot oil such as bacon grease, butter or olive oil and perhaps a dash of sugar. Have you ever had it?
I wrote a post on Facebook and lots of people knew of this dish and from all over the country. Since
I’ve never had it I put it on my list of things to make so I could try it. Of course I put my own little spin on the recipe too. So here it is y’all….
Southern Wilted Lettuce Recipe
- 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
- 2 Bunches Green Spring Onions (scallions)
- 8 Slices Bourbon Glazed Thick Sliced Bacon
- 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
- Dash of Salt
- Cracked Black Pepper
Hot Bacon Grease Salad
Appalachian Kilt Lettuce
Wilted Lettuce Salad a.k.a Killed Lettuce
Wilted lettuce is an Appalachian traditional salad made with hot bacon fat dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 Head Iceberg Lettuce
- 2 Bunches Green Spring Onions (scallions)
- 8 Slices Bourbon Glazed Thick Sliced Bacon
- 1 tsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
- Dash of Salt
- Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and thick sliced bourbon bacon .
- While the bacon cooks, chop the lettuce into chunks and added it to a mixing bowl.
- Slice the end (root ends) of the onions off and peel off the outer layer and trim the ends. Slice one bunch (5-6 green onions) and add to the salad. I reserved a bunch for garnish.
- Cook turning the bacon until desired crispness and done.
- Remove bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate to remove excess drippings.
- Add 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar to the bacon drippings in the skillet and using a whisk stir to combine and deglaze the skillet releasing all those yummy bacon bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the hot drippings & vinegar over the salad with a dash of salt and a few cracks of black pepper and toss it all together.
- Garnish with green onions and bacon slices and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 134Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Hot Lettuce with Bacon Dressing
Wilted Lettuce Salad Recipe
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Meet Julia
Author of Julia's Simply Southern
About Julia
Hey Y'all! I'm Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia's Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Kris M
Tuesday 3rd of April 2018
Interesting! I will have to try this!
Julia Jordan
Tuesday 3rd of April 2018
Kris, It's a favorite for so many. I hope you enjoy it.
JeCsOn
Thursday 14th of September 2017
hmmmm
Barbara Miller
Tuesday 12th of September 2017
TY for sharing to Meal Plan Monday on Christy Jordan's Southern Plate. Your version sounds yummy.
Julia's Simply Southern
Tuesday 12th of September 2017
Thank you Barbara!
Lynn Vining
Monday 7th of August 2017
It has been a long time! We used to go to a restaurant in NC on vacation in the mountains. They did a wilted salad at the table that was delicious! Mama duplicated it at home, and it was so awesome!
Grace H
Friday 24th of June 2016
I haven't thought of wilted lettuce in years! This brings back memories of picking lettuce with my grandma in her garden! I loved her wilted lettuce!!!! Going to have to try your recipe, thanks for sharing. Grace
Julia's Simply Southern
Tuesday 28th of June 2016
Those are wonderful memories Grace. I hope you enjoy!