How To Cut Iceberg Lettuce: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Cut a Head of Iceberg Lettuce PDF download Download Article Shred, chop, & cut lettuce wedges with this simple guide Co-authored by Ririka Evans and Devin McSween

Last Updated: October 2, 2023 Fact Checked

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  • Cutting Wedges
    • |
  • Shredding Lettuce
    • |
  • Chopping Lettuce
    • |
  • Storing Lettuce
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Ririka Evans and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Ririka Evans is a Personal Chef and the Founder of Home Cooking Solutions based in Frederick, Maryland. She has been a Chef for over 11 years at commercial kitchens across Japan and the US. She specializes in Japanese food and home-cooked meals. She creates customized menus and cooks for both families and special events. She’s prepared meals for clients from all walks of life, including public figures, CEOs, business owners, professionals, and busy families. She studied cooking and catering at Stratford Career Institute and is a certified ServSafe Food Protection Manager. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 282,673 times.

Iceberg lettuce is a crisp leafy green that’s delicious and low in calories. This tasty produce is incredibly versatile, making refreshing salads and crunchy toppings on tacos and sandwiches. If you’re not sure how to cut iceberg lettuce, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to cut your lettuce into wedges, shred it into fine slices, chop it into square pieces, and store it to keep it crisp and fresh.[1] Read on to learn how!

Things You Should Know

  • Rinse your lettuce under cool water and cut off the white core at the bottom of the head. Then, remove any damaged outer leaves.
  • For lettuce wedges: Cut the head in half and then slice each piece in half.
  • For shredded lettuce: Cut the head into quarters. Lay each piece flat side down and cut thin, ½ inch (1.3 cm) slices across the wedge.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Cutting Wedges

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  1. Step 1 Wash the head... 1 Wash the head of lettuce and chop off the core. Rinse the head of lettuce under cool water. Then, shake off the excess moisture and place it on its side on a cutting board. Using a sharp, long chef’s knife, cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) into the bottom of the lettuce to remove the white core.[2]
    • Alternatively, wash the lettuce after you cut it into wedges.
    • For a more precise coring, use a paring knife to cut a circle around the stem and then pull the core out.
    • Or, smack the stalk against your countertop so it detaches from the head of lettuce. Then, simply pull it out with your hand.[3] However, this may cause the leaves to bruise.
    • Throw the core away, or compost it.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 2 Peel off any damaged outer leaves. The outer leaves of iceberg lettuce are often damaged from transportation and being handled in the grocery store. Just inspect your head of lettuce for ripped, discolored, or wilting leaves. Then, simply remove them with your hands and dispose of them.[4]
    • If the outer leaves have minimal flaws and you want to save them, pinch off the unwanted parts with your fingers.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 3 Chop the head in half with the core face down on the cutting board. Set the head of lettuce on your cutting board with the cut core flat on the board. Then, use your long, chef’s knife to cut the head in half vertically.[5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 4 Place the halves cut-side down on the board and cut each in half. Lay each half of the lettuce on your cutting board with the flat side facing down. Then, chop each piece in half vertically. This gives you 4 large wedges of lettuce perfect for making a wedge salad![6]
    • If you prefer smaller wedges, cut each wedge in half again, giving you 8 wedges.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Shredding Lettuce

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  1. Step 1 Wash the lettuce, cut off the core, and remove damaged leaves. 1 Wash the lettuce, cut off the core, and remove damaged leaves. Clean off any dirt or debris from your head of lettuce by running it under cool water. Then, chop off the core at the bottom of the lettuce with a long chef’s knife. If you see any wilted or discolored outer leaves, peel them off.[7]
  2. Step 2 Cut the head of lettuce into quarters. 2 Cut the head of lettuce into quarters. Place the head of lettuce cut side down on your cutting board. Chop the head in half vertically and then chop each piece in half; this gives you 4 lettuce wedges.[8]
    • For longer shredded lettuce, half the head of lettuce instead of quartering it.
    • Do not chop the lettuce without halving it, as its round shape can make it difficult to cut safely.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 3 Slice the wedges vertically for long strips of lettuce. Place a lettuce wedge flat-side down on your cutting board, rotating it so the wedge is vertical. Then, flatten it with your hand and make thin, ½ inch (1.3 cm) cuts across the wedge of lettuce with your chef’s knife.[9]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 4 Chop the wedges horizontally for short strips of lettuce. Set a lettuce wedge on your cutting board with the cut side down, rotating it so the wedge is horizontal. Then, smash the wedge down so it’s flat. Use your chef’s knife to make ½ inch (1.3 cm) slices across the wedge.[10]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 5 Garnish tacos, burgers, and salads with shredded lettuce. Gently separate the lettuce slices with your fingers. Then, enjoy your shredded lettuce on your favorite meals! Make tasty tacos, serve up some fajitas, cook up a burger, or prepare a simple, refreshing salad.
    • If you’re making a salad, toss the lettuce with your hands or salad tongs to separate the leaves further.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Chopping Lettuce

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  1. Step 1 Rinse the lettuce, remove the core, and peel off damaged leaves. 1 Rinse the lettuce, remove the core, and peel off damaged leaves. Wash the head of iceberg lettuce under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Using a chef’s knife, cut off the core at the bottom of the head. Then, remove any wilting or discolored outer leaves.[11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 2 Cut the head of lettuce in half vertically. Place the head of lettuce on your cutting board with the cut side face down. Then, simply slice the head in half with your chef’s knife.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 3 Position the halves vertically and chop them into thick strips. Set a lettuce half flat-side down on your cutting board, placing it so it’s vertical. Then, flatten it with your hand and make thick, ¾ to 1 inch (2-2.5 cm) cuts across with the chef’s knife.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Cut Iceberg Lettuce 4 Rotate the halves so they’re horizontal and cut them into thick strips. Turn your cutting board so the lettuce half is horizontal. Then, cut across the slices you just made, working your way from one end of the lettuce half to the other. This leaves you with thick, square-shaped lettuce pieces.
  5. Step 5 Toss the chopped lettuce into salads or top it on burgers. 5 Toss the chopped lettuce into salads or top it on burgers. Chopped lettuce is perfect for making a crisp garden salad or topping on homemade veggie burgers. Or, cook your lettuce in a stir-fry or soup!
    6. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Storing Lettuce

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  1. Step 1 Keep cut lettuce in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. 1 Keep cut lettuce in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. To store leftover iceberg lettuce, line an airtight container or plastic bag with a paper towel; this helps absorb moisture and keep your lettuce crisp. Then, add your chopped pieces and place it in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer.[12]
    • If you’re washing and then storing your lettuce, dry it before placing it in a container. Either pat it with paper towels or swirl it in a salad spinner.
  2. Step 2 Store a whole head of iceberg in the fridge for several weeks. 2 Store a whole head of iceberg in the fridge for several weeks. For the freshest, longest-lasting lettuce, wrap your washed lettuce in a paper towel and seal it in an airtight container or plastic bag. When you’re making a salad or other meal, simply cut off what you need and place the rest back in the fridge.[13]
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can you freeze lettuce? Community Answer Community Answer Unfortunately, lettuce doesn't freeze well at all. The texture of the leaves goes totally mushy and it just can't recover from that. Good luck! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 3
  • Question Can I give this to my rabbit? Swertyq Swertyq Community Answer Yes, it is safe for rabbits to eat lettuce, just make sure you wash it thoroughly first. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 2
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Video

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Tips

  • Simply peel off leaves of iceberg lettuce for a quick hamburger topping or to make lettuce wraps. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Rinse your lettuce with cool water before serving it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about food cutting, check out our in-depth interview with Ririka Evans.

References

  1. ↑ Ririka Evans. Personal Chef. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Y7i7zWQQHZ8?feature=share
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/yUNyN6T7uHU?t=21
  4. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Y7i7zWQQHZ8?feature=share
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/rnkCAfj6gYg?t=548
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Nk-cGZbtqiU?t=148
  7. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Y7i7zWQQHZ8?feature=share
  8. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Y7i7zWQQHZ8?feature=share
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/_SZ-_zijkgo?t=44
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://youtube.com/shorts/Y7i7zWQQHZ8?feature=share
  2. ↑ https://pinchmysalt.com/a-recipe-for-keeping-lettuce-fresh-and-crisp/
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/W1AYC_t3bGM?t=4
  4. ↑ https://pinchmysalt.com/a-recipe-for-keeping-lettuce-fresh-and-crisp/

About This Article

Ririka Evans Co-authored by: Ririka Evans Personal Chef This article was co-authored by Ririka Evans and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Ririka Evans is a Personal Chef and the Founder of Home Cooking Solutions based in Frederick, Maryland. She has been a Chef for over 11 years at commercial kitchens across Japan and the US. She specializes in Japanese food and home-cooked meals. She creates customized menus and cooks for both families and special events. She’s prepared meals for clients from all walks of life, including public figures, CEOs, business owners, professionals, and busy families. She studied cooking and catering at Stratford Career Institute and is a certified ServSafe Food Protection Manager. This article has been viewed 282,673 times. 4 votes - 80% Co-authors: 7 Updated: October 2, 2023 Views: 282,673 Categories: Featured Articles | Food Cutting Techniques Article SummaryX

To cut iceberg lettuce, remove the core by cutting 1 inch off of the bottom of the lettuce. Then, remove the first layer or two of outer leaves if they are wilted or damaged, and throw them away. Next, cut the head in half, place the halves flat side down, and cut them in half again. This will leave you with 4 wedges that you may use as is. If you want to finely chop the lettuce for a salad, thinly slice each quarter of lettuce vertically to make long strips of lettuce and separate the slices with your fingers. For more information on cutting iceberg lettuce, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ririka Evans Co-authored by: Ririka Evans Personal Chef Co-authors: 7 Updated: October 2, 2023 Views: 282,673 80% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote 80% of people told us that this article helped them. Kelly Odonnell

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