The BEST Side Salad Recipe: A requested side dish at family gatherings. It’s not your ordinary run of the mill side salad. There’s a SECRET, and it tops all salad recipes we’ve tried!
3headsromaine lettuceSee how to cut and remove stalk
2cupschopped fresh spinachoptional
1Tablespoondried basilor fresh!
1teaspoongarlic powderor more/less if you prefer!
½cupshredded cheddar cheeseFor best results, shred your own block cheese
1roma tomatochopped
3-4Slicescooked baconchopped
2boiled eggschopped
¼cupcelerychopped
¼cupcarrotschopped
1radishchopped
1stalkgreen onionschopped
1tablespoonsunflower seedshulled
Instructions
Slice romaine leaves off of white stems, (discard white stems) and chop lettuce into small pieces and pour in large serving bowl. If also using fresh spinach, chop and add to romaine in bowl.
Next layer on your favorite toppings, such as chopped tomato, bacon, eggs, radishes, green onions, celery, carrots, sunflower seeds and cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the garlic powder and the dried basil on top.
Serve with choice of dressing. (Our favorite is to make the Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch dressing, with the seasoning packet, buttermilk and mayo.)
Video
Notes
TIPS to make this the best side salad:
Use romaine and fresh spinach for an amazing texture and taste!
Cut the romaine/spinach in to small, bite-size pieces, and cut out the white stem
Chop the toppings in to small pieces as well
Don't forget the herbs and spices: basil and garlic powder
We love using Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch for dressing (The packet that you make with mayo and buttermilk) and making this before starting the salad so it can sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, according to package directions.
If you want to make this ahead of time, chop up the toppings and store them separately so the toppings don't make the lettuce soggy.