The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

If there is one salad recipe you need in your recipe box this is it, it's my families favorite! It's made with fresh romaine lettuce, two kinds of cheese, flavorful bacon, sweet grape tomatoes, crunchy toasted almonds, crisp croutons and it's all tossed with a fresh, bright lemon vinaigrette.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • 10 oz bacon

    10 slices

  • 3 large romaine hearts*

    chopped into bite size pieces, from 22 oz, 18 oz once chopped

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes

    halved

  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

    4 oz

  • 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

    1.4 oz

  • 1 1/2 cups croutons
  • 3/4 cup light olive oil**
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp honey
  • 3/4 tsp salt
    or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    To make the dressing: Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dijon and honey to a jar. Add salt and pepper. Cover and seal with lid, shake to blend. If needed stir up honey if it sticks to bottom of jar. Chill in refrigerator while you prepare remainder.

  2. 2

    To toast almonds: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds into an even layer on a small baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until just lightly golden brown, about 6 - 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through toasting. Remove from oven, set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    To cook bacon: Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place bacon strips on baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven until browned and nearly crisp (they'll should crisp up fully once cooled), about 13 - 18 minutes (time will vary based on thickness of bacon).

  4. 4

    Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and let cool. Once cool chop bacon into small pieces.

  5. 5

    To prepare salad: Rinse lettuce under cold water and run though a salad spinner (affiliate link) in batches to dry well. Add lettuce to a large serving bowl.

  6. 6

    Add in almonds, bacon, tomatoes, Swiss cheese, and parmesan cheese. Shake dressing again then pour over salad, toss salad then add croutons and toss again. Serve immediately.

The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

The Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}

5.0(27)

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 27 ratings

cookingclassy.com
5.0(27 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, fresh salad that instantly becomes a family favorite? This "Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}" is the essential dish you'll want in your recipe box, bringing together an incredible medley of textures and flavors.

What makes this salad truly shine is its masterful blend of crisp romaine, savory bacon, sweet grape tomatoes, and two distinct cheeses, all complemented by crunchy toasted almonds and crisp croutons. It's the kind of salad that perfectly balances rich and fresh elements, ensuring every bite is exciting.

Prepare for a salad that's anything but ordinary. You'll savor the satisfying crunch of fresh romaine lettuce and crisp croutons, the savory pop of flavorful bacon, and the burst of sweetness from halved grape tomatoes. These are all balanced by the sharp, creamy notes of shredded Swiss and Parmesan cheese. The homemade lemon vinaigrette, crafted with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, ties it all together with a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.

Customization & Variations

This versatile salad offers several easy customizations. For the slivered almonds, feel free to swap in other toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. If you're looking for a different cheese profile, cheddar or provolone can be used in place of Swiss. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. If you prefer a milder dressing, adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.

This "Best Salad Recipe {Salad de Maison}" is perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish for weeknight dinners, or an impressive starter for gatherings. Serve it immediately after tossing to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions