
Honeymoon salad is a joke that originated in the 1920s, where a honeymoon salad is simply lettuce alone (a play on the phrase let us alone). However, some recipes for honeymoon salad do exist, including one from 1924 that includes pineapples, Maraschino cherries, pistachio nuts, almonds, marshmallows, oranges, peaches, and lettuce. Another recipe includes olives, jarred roasted peppers, and pumpkin seeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Salad |
| Ingredients | Lettuce, Olives, Jarred Roasted Peppers, Pumpkin Seeds, Cool Whip, Instant Pistachio Pudding, Mandarin Oranges, Canned Pineapple, Marshmallows, Pineapples, Maraschino Cherries, Pistachio Nuts, Almonds, Oranges, Peaches |
| Dressing | None |
| Origin | An old joke published in the London humor magazine, Punch, in 1856, which wrote, "Salad for the Solitary is lettuce alone." |
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What You'll Learn
- Honeymoon salad is a joke referring to lettuce alone
- The joke is based on the homophonic nature of let us alone and lettuce alone
- The joke was first printed in 1925
- A recipe for honeymoon salad includes marshmallows, ginger, oranges, peaches, and lettuce
- The salad can be garnished with flowers made from strawberries

Honeymoon salad is a joke referring to lettuce alone
The honeymoon salad is a joke that has been around since the 1920s. It refers to a salad with lettuce and nothing else – "lettuce alone", with "no dressing".
The joke plays on the idea of a honeymoon couple wanting to be left alone, or "let us alone", after their wedding. The earliest known reference to the joke is in an 1856 edition of the London humour magazine Punch, which printed a joke that a "Salad for the Solitary" is "lettuce alone".
The honeymoon salad joke was then referenced in a 1926 edition of the Dallas Morning News. In the story, a customer orders a honeymoon salad from a menu and is served a single leaf of lettuce. When the customer complains, the waiter responds with a grin: "dat am honeymoon salad. Lettuce alone."
Despite the joke, some recipes for honeymoon salads do include other ingredients. A 1924 newspaper published a recipe for a honeymoon salad that included pineapples, Maraschino cherries, pistachio nuts, almonds, marshmallows, oranges, peaches, and lettuce. Another recipe from 1925 includes marshmallows, preserved ginger, oranges, peaches, and lettuce, served with whipped cream and strawberry garnish. However, these recipes are rare, and the traditional honeymoon salad is considered to be "lettuce alone".
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The joke is based on the homophonic nature of let us alone and lettuce alone
The joke, "Let us alone, it's a honeymoon salad", is based on the homophonic nature of "let us alone" and "lettuce alone". The joke is a play on words, with the phrase "let us alone" sounding similar to "lettuce alone". The joke is a pun, a form of humour that relies on the use of homophonic wordplay. In this case, the joke is based on the homophonic nature of the phrase "let us alone" and the word "lettuce". The joke is a clever use of wordplay, as the phrase "let us alone" can be interpreted as a request to be left alone, while "lettuce alone" can be understood as a salad made only of lettuce, with no other ingredients.
The joke is also based on the idea of a honeymoon salad being a salad that a couple might eat during their honeymoon, a period of time following a wedding when the couple is traditionally left alone to enjoy their time together. The joke suggests that a honeymoon salad is one that is made only of lettuce, with no other ingredients, reflecting the couple's desire to be left alone. The joke is a clever and humorous play on words, combining the homophonic nature of "let us alone" and "lettuce alone" with the concept of a honeymoon salad.
The joke also draws on the idea of a "salad for the solitary", as mentioned in the 1856 issue of the London humor magazine, "Punch". The magazine's description of a "salad for the solitary" as "lettuce alone" further reinforces the homophonic wordplay between "let us alone" and "lettuce alone". The joke, therefore, has a long history and has been a source of humour for many years.
The joke also highlights the importance of homophonic wordplay in humour and language. Homophones, or words that sound the same but have different meanings, are a common source of humour in many cultures, including Chinese and English. In Chinese, for example, puns and homophonic jokes are a staple of the language and are used not only for comic relief but also in various beliefs and superstitions. Similarly, in English, lettuce-based puns and jokes are popular, with entire books dedicated to illustrated lettuce jokes.
Overall, the joke, "Let us alone, it's a honeymoon salad", is a clever and humorous play on words that leverages the homophonic nature of "let us alone" and "lettuce alone", combining it with the concept of a honeymoon salad and the idea of a salad for the solitary. The joke has a long history and continues to be a source of amusement for many.
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The joke was first printed in 1925
The joke, "What is a honeymoon salad? Lettuce alone, without dressing," was first printed in a 1925 issue of "The Bee," a now-defunct humor magazine. The joke appeared in the "Stings" section of the magazine, which featured short, witty jokes and one-liners.
The joke plays on the idea that a honeymoon salad is a solitary affair, with only lettuce and no dressing, reflecting a newlywed couple who choose to spend time alone without the frills and company that often accompany a honeymoon. The humor lies in the contrast between the traditional notion of a lavish, exciting honeymoon and the simplicity of a plain lettuce salad.
Over the years, the joke has been reprinted and shared in various formats, including joke books, online forums, and social media platforms. It has endured as a lighthearted and whimsical play on words, often eliciting a chuckle or a groan from those who hear it.
While the origin of the joke is unclear, it is likely that it was created as a witty pun, playing on the similarity between the words "lettuce" and "let us," suggesting that a honeymoon is a time when a couple chooses to be by themselves, or "lettuce alone."
The joke has also inspired variations and expansions, with some adding their own twists, such as including additional ingredients or playing with the idea of a "dressing." These variations keep the joke alive and allow it to continue entertaining audiences, even those who may have heard the original version.
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A recipe for honeymoon salad includes marshmallows, ginger, oranges, peaches, and lettuce
A honeymoon salad is a sweet, fruity dish that can be served as a dessert or side. While there are many variations of the honeymoon salad, a recipe that includes marshmallows, ginger, oranges, peaches, and lettuce might look something like this:
Ingredients:
- Lettuce
- Canned peaches
- Mandarin oranges
- Ginger
- Mini marshmallows
- Coconut
- Whipping cream
- Yogurt
- Sugar
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, peaches, oranges, and ginger. In a separate bowl, beat the cream, yogurt, and sugar until smooth. Pour the cream mixture over the fruit and lettuce, and toss gently to coat. Finally, sprinkle the mini marshmallows and coconut on top, and gently fold them into the salad. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one day. However, for the best texture, it is recommended to add the marshmallows just before serving. This salad is a tasty, sweet treat that is perfect for a summer day or a special occasion like a honeymoon!
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The salad can be garnished with flowers made from strawberries
The Honeymoon Salad is a joke that dates back to 1856, when the London humor magazine, Punch, wrote, "Salad for the Solitary is lettuce alone." Over time, the joke has evolved, and today, the Honeymoon Salad is often associated with a salad made with lettuce and whatever other ingredients one might have on hand. For example, one variation of the Honeymoon Salad includes lettuce, olives, jarred roasted peppers, and pumpkin seeds.
To elevate the presentation of your Honeymoon Salad, consider garnishing it with flowers made from strawberries. Start by selecting medium to large strawberries, as these will provide more surface area to work with. Using a sharp knife, preferably a small curved paring knife, make a zig-zag cut from the bottom to the top of the strawberry, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create the petals of the flower. Gently curl back each "petal" until you have formed a beautiful bloom.
For an even more intricate design, try crafting a strawberry rose. With the pointed end of the strawberry facing upwards, make a small slit at the bottom, again being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently curl back the tip of the strawberry to form the first "petal." Repeat this process on the other three sides of the strawberry until you have four "petals" at the base. To create the second row of petals, make a slit between two petals and curl back gently. Repeat this step on the other three sides. Finish the rose by making a slit down the tip of the strawberry and gently curling it back.
You can create an entire bouquet of strawberry roses by skewering them together. These can be used to garnish a cake, a plate, or even as a stir stick in a glass of champagne. Strawberry roses are a fun and impressive way to decorate desserts and drinks, adding a touch of elegance to your Honeymoon Salad presentation.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon salad is a joke that refers to a salad with "lettuce alone and no dressing".
The joke lies in the wordplay of "lettuce alone" sounding like "let us alone", implying that the couple wants to be left alone during their honeymoon.
The joke was first published in the London humor magazine Punch in 1856 as "Salad for the Solitary" is "lettuce alone".
Yes, a recipe for a honeymoon salad from 1924 includes pineapples, Maraschino cherries, pistachio nuts, almonds, marshmallows, oranges, peaches, and lettuce. Another variation includes additional ingredients such as ginger, strawberries, and whipped cream.
While it may have started as a joke, the honeymoon salad has been ordered and served in restaurants, staying true to its name by only including lettuce and no dressing.











































