We’ve all experienced a drab salad made with limp lettuce that looks like it’s drowning in globs of thick dressing. But there are so many more possibilities for this humble leaf. We’ve collected five hold-the-salad recipes that will challenge your misgivings about lettuce:

1. Pasta with Prosciutto and Lettuce (pictured above)

Velvety Boston Bibb lettuce turns up in pasta tossed with salty prosciutto and springy peas.

Lime juice, mint, and lemongrass all add to the refreshing, crisp taste of these lettuce wraps, which pack a kick of heat.

3. Fried Green Tomato BLT with Black Peppercorn Mayonnaise

A post about lettuce wouldn’t be the same without a shout out to this dynamic trio of bacon, lettuce and tomato. In this rendition of the classic BLT, thick-cut bacon and crisp lettuce is paired with cornmeal-battered fried green tomatoes and fragrant peppercorn mayonnaise.

Okay, so the word “salad” does appear in this recipe title, but technically it’s a pizza.  Bake fresh, simple pizza dough with oozy mozzarella and then top with grated Parmesan, grilled chicken, and romaine hearts tossed in salty Caesar dressing.

5. Creamy Arugula and Lettuce Soup with Goat Cheese

Arugula and lettuce team up in this creamy soup topped with a slice of delectable goat cheese.

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Quinoa and Black Lentil Salad With Mixed Salad Greens

Haute Apple Pie: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Warm Bacon Dressing

Dishin & Dishes: Beet Salad With Garlic Vinaigrette

Thursday Night Dinner: Mixed Lettuce, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Pita Pizza

Made By Michelle: Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches

Feed Me Phoebe: Hearts of Romaine With Beets, Pistachios and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Virtually Homemade: Mixed Fall Greens With Dijon Chive Vinaigrette

Daily*Dishin: Almond Chutney Chicken Lettuce Wraps