Skb Chopped Salad Recipe

Prepare bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment in a single layer. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp to your liking. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool; when cool enough to handle, chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Prepare hard-cooked eggs

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, then cover, remove from heat, and let sit 10 minutes. Drain and cool under cold running water or in an ice bath. Peel and coarsely chop each egg; set aside.

Prep vegetables

Wash and dry the mixed lettuce; tear any large leaves into bite-size pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Peel and halve the cucumber lengthwise, scoop seeds if very seedy, and slice into 1/4-inch half-moons to total about 1/2 cup. Core and dice tomatoes into roughly 1/2-inch pieces to yield about 1 cup. Thinly slice red onion into half-moons and separate into rings to measure 1/4 cup. Peel and shred the carrot to make 1/2 cup. Crumble the smoked blue cheese to measure 1/2 cup.

Assemble salad

Add the chopped bacon, chopped hard-cooked eggs, cucumber, tomato, red onion, shredded carrot, and smoked blue cheese to the bowl with the lettuce. Toss gently to combine so ingredients are evenly distributed.

Make the dressing: 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 minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk vigorously (or shake in a jar) until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a squeeze of the lemon wedge if you prefer brighter acidity.

Dress and garnish: Pour dressing over the salad (start with about 2/3 of the dressing and reserve the rest). Toss gently to coat evenly. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if using. Serve immediately with the lemon wedge on the side.

Notes: If preparing ahead, keep dressing and bacon separate and combine within 15 minutes of serving so the lettuce remains crisp. Smoked blue cheese is intentionally bold; reduce to 1/3 cup if you prefer milder flavor.