A.K.A

butterhead lettuce

What is it?

One of two major kinds of lettuce (the other being crisphead), butter lettuce’s silken leaves grow in softly folding heads. Two popular varieties of butter lettuce are Boston and Bibb; both have a delicate flavor and range from pale green to medium green. Great in salads, especially with creamy dressings, its pretty cupped leaves also make a good bed for other foods.

Kitchen math:

6 oz. (1 to 2 heads) = about 5 cups bite size pieces

Don’t have it?

Red-leaf or oak leaf lettuce.

How to choose:

Look for leafy rosettes that are dense and heavy for their size. Avoid those with wilted or flaccid outer leaves or brown edges.

How to prep:

Lettuces are great at trapping soil in their leaves, so wash them as many times as it takes to remove the grit. The best way is to soak separated leaves in water and then lift the greens out of the water to leave the grit behind. Dry thoroughly, preferably in a spinner.

How to store:

Pack washed and dried leaves loosely in a zip-top bag lined with paper towels, gently squeeze out most of the air, and seal.

Cross Reference

Bibb lettuce; Boston lettuce

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Chicken Burgers with Lime, Pepper, and Pickle

  Who knew a burger could taste so light and bright? Lime zest and juice as well as fresh cilantro and red bell pepper brighten this one beautifully. Don’t leave off…

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  Recipe

  Ginger-Sesame-Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  These wraps satisfy on every level, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, salt, heat, and crunch in each bite. Ground turkey, pork, and beef all make good substitutes for the…

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  Recipe

  Orange, Pear, and Date Salad with Orange-Rosemary Vinaigrette

  Though the jewel-like tones of orange slices scream for attention, the charm of this refreshing salad is its balanced, simple, almost subdued flavors, which beguile with every bite.

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  Recipe

  Korean-Style Spicy Steak Lettuce Wraps

  We love lettuce wraps: so tasty and so fun to assemble. The zesty flavors in this one make it a standout.

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  Recipe

  Lamb and Goat Cheese Burgers with Roasted Red Pepper Relish

  There’s a double dose of fresh goat cheese here—as little pockets of flavor inside the burgers and as a creamy spread on the buns. The egg and breadcrumbs in the…

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  Moveable Feast

  Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes and Herbs

  Sour cream takes the place of milk or cream in these fresh-from-the-farm scrambled eggs, lively with herbs and served on mild leaves of butter lettuce.

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  Recipe

  Dill-Lemon-Caper Lobster Rolls

  Cooked lobster tossed in a creamy dressing punctuated with dill, capers, and lemon offers a new take on the traditional lobster roll.

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  Recipe

  Thai-Style Spicy Chicken in Lettuce Cups

  This spicy ground-chicken dish is known as larb in Laos and Thailand. It’s often served over lettuce, cabbage, or vegetables, with steamed sticky rice. We like to serve it in…

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  Recipe

  Grilled Butter Lettuce with Buttermilk-Chive Dressing

  This is so much better than your average green salad. The grilled lettuce has crisp, caramelized edges offset by a cool, tangy dressing.

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  Recipe

  Grilled Steak Salad with Pineapple-Ginger Dressing

  This main course salad has it all: tender greens, crisp radishes, sweet pineapple, beefy steak, and a bright, fresh dressing that packs a bit of heat, too. Look for peeled…