Crunchy and refreshing, iceberg lettuce has it all. Yet it’s often the unloved lettuce, considered a fast-food burger essential at most. But think again! It’s the perfect summer salad ingredient and turns into amazing toppings to accompany a host of dishes. During the summer season, enjoy this local, affordable lettuce that overflows in the grocery store’s produce section. 

A unique lettuce

Iceberg lettuce is not as delicate as other varieties like curly lettuce, Boston or romaine. It’s dense, robust, and can be stored for at least a week in the refrigerator. It has a high water content, which makes it refreshing and crispy, and it also has a slight bitterness, interesting in terms of taste. 

Storage tip: To keep it fresh longer, store iceberg lettuce in an airtight bag in the refrigerator. Lettuce can brown on the surface of the leaves—this is oxidation, not rot. You can simply cut these parts off and use the rest of the lettuce.

How to serve iceberg lettuce

Often served chopped in burgers or sandwiches, iceberg lettuce then loses texture, and all of its interest disappears. It’s definitely worth changing up how you serve it so that it regains its personality.

In a sandwich, keep the leaves whole to bring volume and crunch with each bite. Iceberg lettuce also benefits from being seasoned to take on even more taste—simply with salt, pepper and a little vinegar, for example. Cut into quarters, the lettuce turns into an impressive dish all on its own. 

Salads that are far from flat

Forget the typical balsamic and oil vinaigrette; iceberg lettuce can handle more! It goes perfectly with creamy dressings, since its robust leaves do not soften on contact. Think of a Caesar dressing or mayonnaise-based salad dressings. It goes well with bitter vegetables such as endive or radicchio and it benefits from being mixed with nuts for even more texture. And to have a little more fun, try a burger salad with ground beef, pickles and cheddar cheese.

A versatile garnish

Get iceberg lettuce out of the “simple salad” category by using it as a topping for burgers and sandwiches—of course—but also as a garnish for dishes where you would least expect it.

Spring rolls: Incorporate iceberg lettuce into rice paper rolls alongside rice noodles, vegetables and a protein (shrimp, pollock, tofu, etc.).

Stir-fries: Cut the lettuce into thin strips and place it as a garnish on fried rice or a stir-fry of tofu, pork or beef.

Mexican dishes: To bring freshness to spicy Mexican dishes, such as tacos, fajitas or tostadas, add minced iceberg lettuce.

Raw fish: Whether in a poke bowl or with salmon gravlax, iceberg lettuce goes well with the freshness of fish.

Sandwiches and burgers: Season and place whole leaves, rather than chopped, or you will lose texture.