Final answer:
Lettuce is not a traditional ingredient in Waldorf chicken salad, but romaine lettuce could be included for its crunchy texture. Other lettuces might be used as well. The mention of intercropping alyssum with romaine is related to an ecological farming practice, not the salad recipe itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The traditional Waldorf chicken salad typically does not include lettuce as one of its main ingredients. Instead, the classic recipe usually comprises of chicken, apples, grapes, celery and walnuts, all tossed in mayonnaise. However, many variations of the salad exist, and it is not uncommon for various types of lettuce to be added as a base or as an accompaniment to the salad.
If lettuce is to be included in a Waldorf chicken salad, one might choose romaine lettuce, which is mentioned in the provided reference as being intercropped with alyssum for aphid control in organic farming. This choice could be due to its crunchy texture and nutritional value, excellent for salad bases. Other lettuces that might be used are mixed greens or iceberg lettuce, depending on preference for texture and flavor.
It's worth noting the reference to intercropping alyssum with romaine lettuce for aphid control pertains to a farming method rather than the composition of a Waldorf chicken salad, highlighting an ecological approach to maintaining crop health.