Large Salad Recipe

Prep greens

Wash and thoroughly dry romaine, mixed greens, and baby spinach using a salad spinner or clean towels. Chop romaine into bite-sized pieces and place all greens in a very large mixing bowl or serving bowl. Toss lightly to combine.

Prepare vegetables

Halve cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch rounds, thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion, and shred the carrots if not pre-shredded. Dice the avocados and set aside.

Cook/prepare protein-friendly add-ins

If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse well. If using fresh corn, blanch for 2–3 minutes in boiling water, then drain and cool. Add chickpeas, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrots, red onion and chickpeas to the bowl with the greens and toss gently to distribute.

Add avocado last

Fold diced avocado into the salad just before serving to prevent browning.

Crumble feta evenly over the salad. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds and dried cranberries across the top. If preparing ahead, keep nuts and dried fruit separate and add just before serving to maintain texture.

Roughly chop parsley and chiffonade basil; sprinkle herbs over the assembled salad. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, but wait until after tossing with dressing to adjust final seasoning.

Emulsify dressing

In a jar or small bowl, combine lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple), minced garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk while gradually streaming in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a jar, seal and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

Taste and adjust

Taste the dressing and adjust acidity or sweetness as desired (add 1–2 tsp more honey for sweetness or 1 tbsp more lemon for brightness).

Dress the salad

Just before serving, drizzle about 3/4 to 1 cup of vinaigrette over the large salad (start with less — you can always add more). Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Add crumbled feta, almonds, cranberries and avocado if not already added. Serve remaining vinaigrette on the side.