This Best Side Salad is loaded with a variety of textures and flavors, making it a fantastic complement to any meal or a satisfying, light lunch on its own. The secret trick to this salad is the way you prepare the lettuce: chopping the romaine leaves and discarding the bitter white stems ensures a perfectly crisp and refreshing base. Topped with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheddar, and a hint of garlic and basil, this salad is both simple and flavorful. It’s finished off with your favorite dressing—try it with a creamy buttermilk ranch for a classic, delicious finish!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 3 heads Romaine lettuce (remove white stalks, chopped)
- 2 cups Fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 Tbsp Dried basil (or fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably from a block)
- 1 Roma tomato, chopped
- 3-4 slices Cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup Celery, chopped
- ¼ cup Carrots, chopped
- 1 radish, chopped
- 1 stalk Green onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp Sunflower seeds (hulled)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Slice the romaine leaves off the white stalks and discard the stalks for a fresher, crisper salad. Chop the lettuce leaves into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large serving bowl. If using fresh spinach, chop it and add it to the bowl for extra greens.
- Add Toppings: Layer the salad with your choice of toppings: chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, radishes, green onions, celery, carrots, sunflower seeds, and freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried (or fresh) basil evenly over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Toss the salad with your dressing of choice. For a creamy and tangy finish, try Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch (made with their seasoning packet, buttermilk, and mayo), or use any favorite dressing.
Description and Tips
This salad’s brilliance lies in its texture contrast: crunchy lettuce and fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and creamy eggs all work together harmoniously. The garlic powder and basil add a subtle kick of flavor, enhancing the freshness of the vegetables without overpowering them.
Tips for the Best Salad:
- Chop and discard the white stalks of the romaine lettuce. These tend to be bitter and can make the salad less enjoyable.
- Shred your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect the texture and taste, so grating it fresh provides the best flavor.
- Customize your toppings: This salad is highly adaptable. Add avocado, swap out sunflower seeds for nuts, or throw in more veggies to suit your tastes.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad and add the dressing until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
This versatile and easy-to-make salad is a fantastic go-to dish for any meal!
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