It is very tender, yet crisp, and has a mild flavor. It is a bunch of long, dark green, spoon-shaped leaves. It has a pungent flavor and coarser texture than most head lettuce. Although this is not actually a lettuce, the tender green leaves give a delightful and unique taste and color to green salads. Most salads can be made from any combination of lettuce varieties, with a mixture providing extra flavor, texture, and color.
Homemade croutons are like a cherry on a hot-fudge sundae, the crown to perfection.
This salad is a fulfilling meal in itself, either for lunch or dinner. Increase quantities of ingredients to satisfy the heartiest appetites. Break lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces. Place in salad bowls. Evenly distribute onion, green pepper, carrots, cucumber, turkey and then ham.