The Family Favorite Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Family Favorite Salad is a vibrant, hearty mix of fresh vegetables, crisp greens, and a tangy homemade dressing that everyone loves. It’s a perfect side dish for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, and can easily be customized with your favorite toppings. Refreshing, satisfying, and easy to make, it truly lives up to its name.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoescucumbersred onionshredded carrotsavocadofeta cheesecroutonsextra virgin olive oilbalsamic vinegarDijon mustardhoneygarlicsalt and pepper

directions

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large salad bowl.

Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers and red onions, and shred the carrots. Add them to the bowl.

Dice the avocado and crumble the feta cheese over the vegetables.

Sprinkle croutons on top for extra crunch.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to turn it into a main dish.

Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.

Incorporate nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture.

Use a ranch, Italian, or Caesar dressing instead of balsamic for variety.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Store the dressing separately and add just before serving to keep the salad fresh.If the salad has been dressed, consume it within a few hours for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the ingredients and store them separately, then assemble just before serving.

What lettuce works best for this salad?

Romaine is ideal for its crunch, but you can also use mixed greens, spinach, or arugula.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely, but homemade dressing gives it the freshest flavor.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you let kids pick and choose their favorite toppings.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss the diced avocado with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.

What’s the best way to make the salad more filling?

Add a protein source like beans, grilled tofu, or quinoa.

Can I substitute honey in the dressing?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes.

Should I salt the salad?

Light seasoning before adding the dressing can enhance the overall flavor.

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Yes, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great alternatives to balsamic.

Conclusion

The Family Favorite Salad is a fresh, customizable, and delicious option that brings people together around the table. Its simple preparation and versatile ingredients make it a staple for any meal, offering a crisp, flavorful bite every time. Once you try it, it just might become a go-to recipe in your home too!

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