Lettuce is lettuce when it comes to making a sandwich… right?
Not quite! Some varieties are soft and flexible, while others stay crisp next to a warm patty, a generous spoonful of sauce or a fully loaded filling. Choosing the right lettuce can make the difference between a lunch that holds together and a wrap that turns into a salad at the bottom of your plate.
Here is how to choose the best lettuce for sandwiches, lettuce wraps and burgers.
Crisp lettuce: the sandwich and burger champion
As its name suggests, Crisp lettuce is all about texture. Its leaves hold up well and add the satisfying crunch that makes a sandwich even better.
Put it to the test with our Green Goddess sandwich or our grilled vegetable focaccia sandwich. Both recipes show exactly why its crunch works so well between two slices of bread.
In a burger, place the lettuce between the bun and moist ingredients such as tomatoes, pickles or sauce. It creates a light barrier that can help keep the bun more enjoyable to eat.
Choose it when you want: freshness, crunch and a leaf that holds its shape.
Boston lettuce: perfect for lettuce wraps
Boston lettuce is known for its large, mild, tender and flexible leaves. They fold easily around a filling, making this variety an excellent choice for lettuce wraps or small bread-free bites.
Ready to try it? Start with our Greek chicken lettuce wraps, Asian lettuce wraps or crab, fennel and apple lettuce wraps. For something different, Boston lettuce leaves also replace croutons in our salmon tartare recipe.
For a sturdier wrap, slightly overlap two leaves. This creates a stronger base, especially when the filling includes a sauce.
Boston lettuce is also delicious in a burger when you prefer a softer texture instead of a pronounced crunch. In our sesame salmon burger, it even replaces the bun entirely.
Choose it when you want: a mild, flexible leaf that is large enough to hold a filling.
Boston lettuce: perfect for lettuce wraps
Boston lettuce is known for its large, mild, tender and flexible leaves. They fold easily around a filling, making this variety an excellent choice for lettuce wraps or small bread-free bites.
Ready to try it? Start with our Greek chicken lettuce wraps, Asian lettuce wraps or crab, fennel and apple lettuce wraps. For something different, Boston lettuce leaves also replace croutons in our salmon tartare recipe.
For a sturdier wrap, slightly overlap two leaves. This creates a stronger base, especially when the filling includes a sauce.
Boston lettuce is also delicious in a burger when you prefer a softer texture instead of a pronounced crunch. In our sesame salmon burger, it even replaces the bun entirely.
Choose it when you want: a mild, flexible leaf that is large enough to hold a filling.
Salanova lettuce: small, tender and easy to add anywhere
Salanova™ is a multi-leaf lettuce made up of many small, well-formed leaves. One cut at the base separates them, making it especially convenient for quick lunches.
Its tender, colourful leaves are easy to tuck into a sandwich or wrap. Since they are smaller, you can layer as many as you like. It is also an easy way to add a mix of green and red without pulling five different ingredients out of the fridge.
To discover Salanova™ in a different kind of lunch, try our Salanova™ lettuce Buddha bowl or Salanova™ lettuce salad with strawberries and halloumi. Both recipes are already available in our Journal and make the most of its small, colourful leaves.
Choose it when you want: tender, colourful leaves that are easy to portion and quick to use.
A quick guide to choosing lettuce
| If you are making… | Our first choice | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| A burger | Crisp lettuce | It adds crunch and holds up well. |
| A club sandwich | Crisp lettuce | It brings texture to every layer. |
| A bread-free wrap | Boston lettuce | Its large, flexible leaves wrap easily around fillings. |
| A delicate sandwich | Salanova lettuce | Its small, tender leaves are easy to layer. |
| Appetizer bites | Boston lettuce | The leaves work like natural little cups. |
| A quick lunch | Salanova lettuce | The leaves separate and portion easily. |
How do you keep lettuce from getting soggy in a packed lunch?
Even the best lettuce needs a little help to stay fresh until lunchtime.
Try these simple tips:
- wash the leaves only when you are ready to use them;
- dry them thoroughly before adding them to a sandwich;
- let warm ingredients cool before assembling your lunch;
- pack the sauce separately whenever possible;
- refrigerate the sandwich or wrap until it is time to eat.
At home, keep your Gen V lettuce in its original packaging in the refrigerator. For living lettuce, leave the roots attached to help extend its freshness.
So, which lettuce wins?
There is no single right answer and that is a good thing.
Choose Crisp lettuce for texture, Boston lettuce for flexibility and Salanova for tender leaves that are easy to use. You can even mix them depending on your mood or, let’s be honest, what is left in the fridge.
One thing is certain: the right lettuce makes lunch feel instantly fresher.
