Shred Lettuce

We're excited to show you Shred Lettuce. You can also use this technique to thinly slice basil, spinach and many other leafy greens. We often get asked about how to do basic cooking tasks like How to Dice an OnionHow to Poach Eggs and other tips and advice in the kitchen. We are self-taught and never went to culinary school but we feel like over the last decade we have learned a lot through practice so we hope to share some valuable tips and tricks.

What stands out

You’re going to love this tutorial on Shred Lettuce because it will take your recipes to the next level. The truth is, our mom has always cut lettuce like this so she and we have a hard time eating salads that have a thicker cut. We personally feel that when you take the time and have some patience to enjoy the process, salad tastes that much better! Not to mention this skill can transfer to other leafy greens and herbs like basil.

Ensure the cutting board is stable: use a board with grips, non-slip mat, or damp paper towel underneath.

Use a sharp knife for precise cuts and safety.

Wash and pat dry romaine lettuce leaves.

Then, stack 3-4 leaves and roll them tightly like a cigar.

Now, use a slicing technique called Chiffonade: cut thin strips perpendicular to the roll. Now you’ve learned Shred Lettuce!

Kitchen tip

Use a sharp knife: any knife will work but make sure it’s sharp and you take your time.

Swaps

You can definitely try this method other common leafy vegetables or herbs! Let us know in the comments what you use.

Instead of romaine lettuce, you could use other types such as iceberg lettuce, kale, arugula, or mixed greens.
Expand beyond lettuce and use other leafy greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.

Serve it with

Try your shredded lettuce in a salad like our Green Goddess Salad or Big Mac Salad
A crusty bread like our No Knead Peasant Bread
A simple salad with a homemade dressing like our Nut Butter Honey Dijon Dressing

Questions

What type of cutting board should we use?

Be sure to use a steady cutting board when you are learning Shred Lettuce; make sure the board doesn’t move on the counter. You can do this by using a damp paper towel under the board or a non-slip mat or a cutting board that has grips on the bottom. The paper towel method is our favorite.

How should we hold the knife when cutting?

Have a sturdy hold on the knife and never put your pointer finger on top of the knife. Wrap your entire hand around the handle closer to the bottom. Your hand shouldn’t be near the top of the handle where you have no control.

How can we make sure we are cutting safely?

When learning Shred Lettuce or cutting anything, always make a ‘claw’ with your non-cutting hand and place your knuckles down on the vegetable you are cutting. Your knuckles will protect you from cutting yourself and guide you. Then, always move the guiding hand back as you cut and pay attention. Go as slow as you need to! Have patience and enjoy the process. This should be relaxing and therapeutic.

Ingredients

Equipment

Nakiri Knife
Chefs Knife
Cutting Board

Method

Make sure the board you are using is not moving around. Either purchase a board with grips, use a non-slip mat or use a damp paper towel underneath.
A sharp knife is a must here. A dull knife will bruise most produce and you are more likely to cut yourself. Wash the romaine lettuce leaves and pat them dry.
Stack 3-4 leaves on top of each-other and roll them up like a cigar and start making thin cuts with a sharp knife. This technique is called Chiffonade and it is a slicing technique in which leafy green vegetables such as spinach, or flat-leaved herb like basil, are cut into long, thin strips.
This cut is accomplished by stacking leaves, rolling them tightly, then slicing the leaves perpendicular to the roll.