Let’s talk about healthy eating, let’s talk about salad ideas and let’s talk about leftovers. Now, let’s talk about this salad. The BIG salad.
It’s a few weeks into January and hopefully you’re sticking to those resolutions. If not, here’s some inspiration in the form of a salad. A really big salad. This is a favorite meal in my mom’s house and I’ve adopted it. It’s a throw-together with what you got kind of meal, and there for more of a ‘salad-idea’ than a real recipe. So I’m going to include my favorite, basic vinaigrette at the bottom of this post to make it up to you. But don’t be fooled by that either, you can swap and sub in what ever you got or what ever you like in that, too.
So here’s your salad idea: layers in rows. Start with a bed of mixed greens and layer in rows all your toppings. Everyone can build their salad with the things they like and leave out the things they hate. Serve this alongside a pot of soup and fresh bread for an easy dinner.
What to include? For us, it’s some combination of shredded chicken (either leftovers or store bought rotisserie), bacon, cucumbers, carrots, grape tomatoes, onion, hard boiled eggs, celery, sweet bell peppers or olives. Other ideas? Try cheese (like feta!), sliced steak, avocado, raw broccoli, cauliflower or radishes. Add fruit, like fresh berries, apples or mandarin oranges. Add a row of croutons or crunchy won-ton noodles. Endless combinations. Scroll down for that dressing I promised you.
Because homemade dressing is easy and better, I say make your own always. But since you’re likely feeding a group, set out a variety of dressings along side a homemade version to spoon on your salad and make everyone happy. I make a version of this easy jar-dressing recipe with whatever I have on hand, just like this salad. If you want my recommendations for herbs are basil, oregano and rosemary since I have those growing most often. Use at least three different herbs to give you the most impact.
Salad Ideas: Basic Jar Vinaigrette
Your standard dressing ratio is one part oil to one half part acid, adjust accordingly to make a larger quantity. Use dried herbs in place of fresh if necessary. Anchovy paste sound gross? Fine, use miso paste.
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs (at least 3 herbs)
2 cloves garlic, minced fine
1 tbs salt
1 tbs pepper
1 tbs anchovy paste
Start with Mason jar to build your dressing. Dump everything in, cover and shake well. Shake again before serving. Will keep in the fridge for a week. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
What a great looking salad. Perfect for lunch, brunch or dinner. Also great to take along to potlucks too. Easy and delicious is always a winner in my books.
With all the holiday and fall treats, I need some healthy recipes to help balance my indulgences throughout the week. Sounds like a delicious dressing. This will definitely come in handy!
I am always looking for ways to make salads more interesting. This is a great way to make a simple vinaigrette and I am definitely going to give it a go!
This salad is beautiful and would be perfect for entertaining guests! This is sure to impress any guest!
What a gorgeous salad. I love this idea, I can’t wait to try it out. The dressing sounds like it would be good on a sub as well!
So simple! I love it, it looks really delicious. I love the way you are serving all the ingredients side by side. Not only is it practical, but it’s pretty too!
Your salad is so gorgeous!! And the salad dressing sound so good!!! I’ll def have to try it out!
What a great idea. I usually mix salads myself and guests and/or family have no choice! Def want to try this!
I agree – I love the way I can customize home made salad dressings to my particular palate
Great ideas perfect for this entertaining season that we are running around with so much. Salads are a great addition to a buffet dinner too. The vinaigrette is also perfection a perfect balance of flavors. Love the addition of the fresh garlic.
This salad makes me very happy! Such a beautiful display of wholesome ingredients. Loving its!
This looks like a great salad to keep on hand for lunches! I’m so bad at prepping for lunch so this is a great idea!
Your salad is something I would serve all year-round. Items beautiful, set up well, and the dressing sounds perfect. Definitely will be trying this. Thanks for sharing!
I think I prefer big salads like this where I can choose what I want and how much I want to small bowls with everything mixed. Definitely something I would be happy about at the party! Looks awesome!