Description
This loaded side salad is a hit with any dinner party menu that you and your guests are sure to love! Alternatively, add a protein source to make this a full, balanced meal on its own.
Ingredients
Salad
- 10oz spring mix
- 1 head butter lettuce, sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 radish, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup dill pickle, finely diced
- 10 kalamata olives, sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 oz feta, crumbled
- 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Croutons
- 2 cups crusty bread cubes (use your stale bread that’s about to go bad!)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Vinaigrette
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Big pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
Croutons
Preheat oven to 350. Drizzle bread cubes with olive oil and work with your hands until well coated and the bread absorbs some of the oil. Sprinkle liberally with garlic powder and salt. Bake for 12-14 minutes until browned and crispy.
Vinaigrette
Whisk together all ingredients until emulsified and smooth. Season additionally with lemon for more zing, honey for more sweet, salt for more flavor, if needed.
Salad
Add all salad ingredients and croutons to a large serving bowl and drizzle with dressing, tossing to combine. Keep the dressing and croutons separate if you want to eat this salad throughout the week!
Notes
This salad is wildly versatile! Use whatever fresh veggies your family loves or you have on hand. Additional ideas include tomatoes, corn, cucumber, mushrooms, cabbage or snap peas!
I love the butter lettuce and a dark leafy green combo here but you could also use romaine, kale or other salad green.
Make it vegan: swap out the honey for agave and leave off the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative
Make it gluten-free: make the croutons with gluten-free bread