Elevate your dining experience with the vibrant and refreshing Steakhouse Chopped Salad Side Salad! This delightful dish is not just a side but a celebration of fresh ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing. Imagine biting into a crisp mix of greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory bacon bits, all topped with creamy blue cheese and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is a quick 10-minute prep that adds a burst of flavor to your meal. Ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself? Dive into our recipe and discover how easy it is to create a salad that steals the spotlight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the fresh produce. Thoroughly rinse the mixed greens and pat dry with paper towels to ensure crisp texture.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, ensuring uniform size for even distribution in the salad.
- Dice the red onion and cucumber into small, consistent pieces approximately 1/4 inch in size for balanced flavor and texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens as the salad base, creating a foundation for the other ingredients.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced cucumber to the mixed greens, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the salad, allowing it to settle naturally among the greens and vegetables.
- Distribute the bacon bits across the salad, ensuring an even spread for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, using a light hand to avoid oversaturating the ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients with the vinaigrette, being careful not to crush the delicate greens.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the freshness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your vegetables in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days, ensuring they stay fresh and crisp.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your salad depends on the freshness of your ingredients. Opt for vibrant mixed greens and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Avocado, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken can enhance this salad and make it your own.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or omitting the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version that still packs a flavor punch.
- Vinaigrette Variations: Experiment with different dressings! While balsamic vinaigrette is delicious, try a honey mustard or a citrus vinaigrette for a unique twist.
- Toss Gently: When mixing your salad, use a gentle hand to avoid bruising the greens. A light toss ensures that all ingredients are evenly coated without losing their crispness.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad right after tossing with the dressing. This keeps the greens fresh and prevents them from wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg