Pickled Lettuce Recipe
Introduction
Pickled lettuce is a quick and tangy way to elevate your meals with crisp texture and bright flavor. This simple recipe combines fresh iceberg lettuce and onion with a zesty vinegar dressing, perfect for adding a punch to tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- Optional: a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the sliced iceberg lettuce and white onion in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add white vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and avocado oil to the bowl. Stir everything together until fully mixed.
- Step 3: Let the mixture stand for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the lettuce to pickle slightly.
- Step 4: Serve the pickled lettuce as a fresh, tangy topping on tacos, burritos, fajitas, bowls, or subs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot when mixing the ingredients.
- You can use red cabbage or romaine lettuce instead of iceberg for different textures and flavors.
- Adjust vinegar amounts slightly for more or less tang based on your preference.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pungent taste.
Storage
Store the pickled lettuce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for 2–3 days. Re-stir before serving, and enjoy it cold or at room temperature. Avoid storing it longer as the lettuce may become too soft.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for pickling?
Yes, while iceberg works best for its crispness, you can substitute with romaine or red cabbage for varied texture and flavor.
How long does pickled lettuce keep in the fridge?
It is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain its crunch and fresh taste.
PrintPickled Lettuce Recipe
This Pickled Lettuce recipe offers a tangy, flavorful twist on traditional iceberg lettuce by combining it with a medley of vinegars, seasonings, and avocado oil. Perfect for adding a crunchy, zesty element to tacos, burritos, fajitas, bowls, or sandwiches, it is quick to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes of marinating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pickled Lettuce Ingredients
- 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup avocado oil
- Optional: a few shakes of Frank’s Red Hot hot sauce
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced iceberg lettuce, white onion, white vinegar, red wine vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and avocado oil. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed and the seasonings start to infuse the lettuce.
- Marinate: Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting period lets the flavors marry and the lettuce soften slightly, creating a crisp yet tangy pickled effect.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the pickled lettuce immediately after marinating or within 2-3 days. It pairs wonderfully as a topping for tacos, burritos, fajitas, rice bowls, or subs. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Slice the lettuce and onions thinly for better absorption of the pickling flavors.
- Adjust vinegar amounts to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy pickle.
- The optional hot sauce can be added to introduce a spicy kick.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
- Use avocado oil to keep the recipe dairy-free and add a subtle richness.
Keywords: pickled lettuce, no-cook side dish, iceberg lettuce recipe, quick pickled vegetables, taco topping, vinegar pickled lettuce

