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–+ servings
Family Favorite Salad

Irresistible Family Favorite Salad with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

This Family Favorite Salad combines vibrant ingredients and a zesty dressing, perfect for gatherings and customizable for every palate.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce Fresh and crisp for optimal texture
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Halved; sweet juicy bites
  • 6 strips Bacon Add a savory crunch; can be swapped for turkey bacon
For the Cheese Elements
  • 1/2 cup Swiss Cheese Diced; provides creaminess
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; brings nuttiness and depth
For the Crunch and Flavor
  • 1 cup Croutons Add for extra crunch
  • 1/4 cup Slivered Almonds Lightly toasted
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Light Olive Oil A healthier base for the dressing
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the flavor
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; enhances flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Helps emulsify the dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Balances acidity
  • 1 pinch Salt Season to taste
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper Season to taste

Equipment

  • Medium jar
  • baking sheet
  • Salad Spinner
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Dressing Preparation
  1. In a medium jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal and shake for 30 seconds until blended.
  2. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator while preparing the other ingredients.
Almonds Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread slivered almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 6-10 minutes.
  2. Allow almonds to cool before adding to salad.
Bacon Preparation
  1. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake bacon for 13-18 minutes until crispy.
  2. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain fat and chop into pieces.
Salad Assembly
  1. Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce. Tear or chop into pieces and place in a large bowl.
  2. Add cooled almonds, chopped bacon, halved grape tomatoes, diced Swiss cheese, and grated Parmesan.
Salad Serving
  1. Shake the chilled dressing well and pour over the salad.
  2. Toss the salad until evenly coated and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best taste, dress the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.

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