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Southern dinner plate with wilted lettuce salad, white beans, cornbread, and green onions.

Southern Wilted Lettuce Salad (a.k.a. Kilt Lettuce)

This old-fashioned salad brings together fresh garden greens, crispy bacon, and hot drippings for a rich, savory bite that's full of Southern soul.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • - 1 large head of leaf lettuce chopped
  • - 4–6 green onions sliced
  • - 5–6 slices thick-cut bacon or salt pork
  • - Salt to taste
  • Optional:
  • - 1 tsp sugar
  • - 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Cook bacon or salt pork in a skillet until crisp. Reserve the hot drippings.
  • In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce and onions.
  • Chop the cooked bacon and add it to the bowl.
  • Pour hot bacon grease over the salad and toss immediately.
  • Season with salt to taste and serve warm.

Notes

- Serve with beans and cornbread for a full Southern meal.
- Best eaten fresh, right after tossing with hot grease.