If you’ve never tried Wilted Lettuce Salad Bacon, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Also known as “killed lettuce” in some Southern kitchens, this warm salad takes crisp lettuce and softens it with a tangy hot bacon dressing—resulting in a crave-worthy mix of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Today I’m sharing three unique ways to enjoy wilted lettuce salad with bacon: a traditional Southern-style recipe, a spinach & red onion twist, and a modern apple-cider version. Each one is super easy and packed with bold flavor.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need:
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Large skillet or frying pan
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Mixing bowls
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Cutting board and sharp knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Slotted spoon
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Tongs or salad servers
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Small saucepan (optional for making dressing separately)
3 Wilted Lettuce Salad Bacon:
Love the warm, savory crunch of bacon in your salads? Read below to discover 3 delicious Wilted Lettuce Salad with Bacon recipes that bring comfort food flavor to your table in minutes!
Recipe 1: Classic Southern Wilted Lettuce Salad
Ingredients:
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6 cups leaf lettuce (like Bibb, romaine, or red leaf), washed and torn
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4 slices bacon
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2 tablespoons bacon grease (reserved from cooking)
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 green onion, thinly sliced
Preparation:
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Wash and dry lettuce, then tear into bite-sized pieces.
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Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble and reserve 2 tbsp of the grease.
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Thinly slice green onion.
Instructions:
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Place lettuce and green onion in a large mixing bowl.
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In the skillet with bacon grease, add vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat until just bubbling.
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Immediately pour the hot dressing over the lettuce and toss quickly.
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Top with crumbled bacon and serve warm.
Full Recipes: Classic Southern Wilted Lettuce Salad
2: Wilted Spinach & Red Onion Salad with Bacon
Ingredients:
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5 cups baby spinach leaves, rinsed and dried
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4 strips thick-cut bacon
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
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Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
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Slice red onion and rinse spinach well.
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Cook bacon and set aside. Keep 2 tbsp bacon drippings in the pan.
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Whisk vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper into the warm pan.
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine spinach and red onion.
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Pour the warm bacon vinaigrette over the salad and toss until slightly wilted.
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Crumble bacon on top and serve immediately.
Full Recipes: Wilted Spinach & Red Onion Salad with Bacon
3: Apple Cider Wilted Lettuce Salad with Bacon & Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
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6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula)
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4 slices bacon
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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1/2 apple, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese or feta
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
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Cook and crumble bacon; reserve 1–2 tablespoons of grease.
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Thinly slice apple and prepare greens.
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Mix vinegar, oil, mustard, sugar, and bacon grease in a saucepan.
Instructions:
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Place greens and apples in a bowl.
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Warm the dressing mixture just until steaming.
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Pour over the greens and toss until slightly wilted.
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Top with bacon and crumbled cheese.
Full Recipes: Apple Cider Wilted Lettuce Salad with Bacon & Goat Cheese
Pro Tips:
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Don’t over-wilt the greens: The goal is just a gentle softening, not soggy salad.
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Add the dressing hot: It needs to be warm to “wilt” the greens just right.
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Use quality bacon: Thick-cut, smoky bacon adds the most flavor.
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Layer flavors: Add elements like mustard, garlic, or fresh herbs for extra depth.
Serving Ideas:
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Serve as a warm side dish for grilled meats, fried chicken, or steak
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Top with a poached or fried egg for a hearty brunch salad
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Pair with crusty bread or cornbread for a rustic meal
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Use as a first course for a comforting fall or winter dinner party
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Serve alongside soups like tomato or potato leek for a cozy lunch
Extra Add-Ons:
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Chopped hard-boiled eggs – adds richness and protein
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Toasted nuts – try pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch
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Dried cranberries or raisins – sweet contrast to the smoky bacon
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Grilled chicken or tofu – turns it into a main dish
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Croutons or crispy shallots – extra texture and flavor
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Pickled onions – bring brightness and a tangy bite
Nutrition Stats:
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 180 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 320mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the version and optional toppings.
Read Next: 3 Tortellini Pasta Salad
Key Takeaway
Wilted lettuce salad with bacon is a timeless comfort food that balances warm, tangy, and savory elements in every bite. Whether you stick with the traditional Southern version, brighten things up with apples and goat cheese, or keep it simple with spinach and onions, it’s the kind of dish that turns heads and disappears fast.
Thank you for stopping by and exploring these wilted lettuce salad recipes with me! I hope they bring warmth and flavor to your table, just like they’ve done for generations of cooks. Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post so you can come back to it anytime you need a quick and comforting salad idea!
Read More: 3 Tortellini Pasta Salad
FAQs:
Can I make wilted lettuce salad ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately after wilting. You can prep the ingredients and dressing in advance but combine just before serving.
What kind of lettuce is best?
Tender greens like Bibb, romaine, red leaf, or mixed spring greens work well. Avoid iceberg—it doesn’t wilt as nicely.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based bacon alternative or skip the bacon and make a warm vinaigrette with olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika for flavor.
Does this salad work cold?
It’s meant to be served warm, but leftovers can be eaten cold—just know the texture won’t be quite the same.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to 1 day in an airtight container. The lettuce will continue to soften over time.