How to Crisp Lettuce

Make lettuce fresh and crunchy again

Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: January 17, 2025 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.

Crisping Lettuce

Add a tray or 2 of ice to a large bowl, and place the lettuce on top. Fill the bowl with cold water and make sure the lettuce is fully submerged. Leave the lettuce in the bowl for 15-20 minutes, then take it out and dry it off with a salad spinner or paper towels.

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Does soaking lettuce in ice water diminish its food value?

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

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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?

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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.

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Does sugar water crisp lettuce?

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

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Tips

Prepare the other ingredients for the salad while the lettuce is soaking. This way no time is wasted.

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Prepare the lettuce completely before putting it in the ice water (i.e. wash it, separate it, tear it up, etc.). This way when the lettuce is finished soaking, you can dry it and put it in the salad immediately.

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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.

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