Fresh Garden Salad Recipe
FRESH CUT ICEBERG, ROMAINE, MIXED GREENS, GREEN PEPPERS, ONIONS, HOUSE CHEESE BLEND & BACON
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Ingredients
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Salad Greens & Vegetables
Toppings
Dressing (simple vinaigrette)
Method
Salad Greens & Vegetables
- 1
Prepare lettuces
Rinse the iceberg, romaine, and mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water. Spin or pat dry until mostly moisture-free. Chop the iceberg and romaine into bite-sized pieces (about 1" pieces) and combine with the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
- 2
Slice vegetables
Core and seed the green bell pepper, thinly slice into strips then chop into 1/4" ribbons (about 1/2 cup). Peel and thinly slice the onion into half-moons; separate slices so they don’t clump. Add both the green pepper and onion to the bowl with the greens and toss gently to distribute.
Toppings
- 3
Cook and prepare bacon
If bacon is not already cooked, lay 4 slices on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12–18 minutes until crisp, or pan-fry over medium heat until browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then chop into 1/2" pieces. For best texture, add bacon just before serving.
- 4
Add cheese and bacon
Sprinkle the shredded house cheese blend (1/2 cup) evenly over the tossed greens and scatter the chopped bacon on top. Toss gently if you prefer cheese distributed through the salad, or leave on top for presentation.
Dressing (simple vinaigrette)
- 5
Make vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar until the dressing emulsifies and becomes slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity to preference.
- 6
Dress salad
Just before serving, drizzle about half to three-quarters of the vinaigrette over the salad (start with ~2 tablespoons, or adjust to taste). Toss gently to coat the greens evenly. Add more dressing if desired, then finish with any remaining bacon and a light extra sprinkle of cheese if preferred.