[dforest]

Hard to cook a lettuce salad. Millions of people eat greens fresh.
If you are in a position to grow your own, you are in a good place.

[Bobbyvotes]

You can steam the lettuce for 10 minutes, then let it cool. discard outer layer.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Depends, I learned how to make lettuce soup recently.

Not bad.

If you are going to eat it raw, make sure it is clean.

Granted we are one of the most poison resistant animals on the planet but we have our limits.

And growing your own is best, you are correct. The fresher the better most food is.