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This Old Fashioned Banana Lettuce Salad is a nostalgic favorite! Crisp iceberg lettuce, sweet bananas, and creamy dressing make a refreshing, easy side. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or vintage-inspired meals!
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If you’ve ever flipped through a vintage recipe box, chances are you’ve come across some delightfully quirky dishes – and this Old Fashioned Banana Lettuce Salad is no exception. This retro recipe is creamy, tangy, and lightly sweet, making it a surprisingly refreshing side dish. While the idea of banana in salad might raise eyebrows today, it was a staple in many vintage recipes passed down through generations.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a true vintage recipe straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
- It comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
- It’s light, creamy, and makes a fun conversation starter at potlucks or brunches.
- A great way to explore nostalgic flavors from a retro recipe era.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- mayonnaise – Swap with Greek yogurt or Miracle Whip for a lighter or sweeter version.
- white distilled vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly sweeter flavor, and lemon juice can work in a pinch for a bright, citrusy twist.
- water
- granulated sugar
- salt and pepper
- iceberg lettuce – Try romaine or butter lettuce for a slightly different texture.
- bananas – Use firm bananas to avoid mushiness – just-ripe works best.
✨ Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for crunch.
- Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory combo.
- Top with a few maraschino cherries for an extra vintage touch.
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🔥 Tips
- Slice the bananas just before serving to prevent browning.
- Chill the dressing before tossing for a crisper salad.
- Toss gently to avoid bruising the bananas.
❓ FAQs
Yes! It was common in many vintage recipes and often featured in mid-century cookbooks.
You can prep the dressing and lettuce ahead, but wait to slice and add the bananas until just before serving.
It’s one of those gems often found in an old vintage recipe box – a beloved throwback to simpler times.
Definitely. Add grilled chicken or chopped hard-boiled eggs to turn it into a light lunch.
Toss banana slices in a tiny bit of lemon juice before adding to the salad. This helps slow oxidation.
Yes! Many kids enjoy the sweet bananas and creamy dressing – just keep portions small for picky eaters.
This vintage recipe is a tasty reminder that sometimes, the most unusual combinations turn out to be the most memorable. Give this retro recipe a try – you might just fall in love with banana in salad!
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Old Fashioned Banana Lettuce Salad
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Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups torn iceberg lettuce
- 2 thinly sliced bananas
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, water, and sugar. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the dressing with the lettuce, then carefully toss in sliced bananas.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Banana Tip: Slice bananas just before serving to keep them from browning or becoming mushy.
- Chill Time: For extra crispness, chill the lettuce and dressing separately before tossing.
- Serving Suggestion: Great as a side dish for brunch, retro-themed dinners, or summer potlucks.
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but leftovers (without bananas) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
- Presentation: Garnish with a few extra banana slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a nostalgic look.
- Flavor Tip: Adjust sugar and vinegar to your taste – some prefer it tangier, others sweeter.
- Dressing Tip: Whisk dressing until smooth and fully combined to avoid separation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
