Baby lettuce refers to lettuce leaves harvested while young and small, before the head or leaf reaches full size, giving a more tender leaf and milder flavor than mature lettuce. It's often sold loose or as part of a salad blend; 'spring mix' and 'mesclun' are related but not identical terms, since those blends typically combine baby lettuces with other young greens and herbs rather than being a single lettuce variety. Baby lettuce is used mainly raw in salads, sandwiches, and wraps, and occasionally wilted briefly into soups or stir-fries. Its mild flavor pairs well with fruit, toasted nuts, soft cheeses, and vinaigrettes.