Description
This vibrant tossed salad is a flavor-packed classic elevated with crisp apples, smoky bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, creamy Gouda, and a crave-worthy honey mustard dressing layered with spices. As a salad enthusiast, I’ve fine-tuned every ingredient to create a salad that’s bold, comforting, and fresh. See the post for easy tips, tasty variations, and make-ahead ideas to keep this salad on repeat for everything from weeknight dinners to entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce or 2 medium, (chopped (about 10 cups))
- 1/2 English cucumber, (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, (halved)
- 1 carrot, (cut into matchsticks)
- 4 medium radishes, (sliced)
- 1 sweet apple ( like Honecrisp or Fuji)
- 1/4 red onion, (sliced)
- 4 oz. cubed Gouda
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled ((or 1/2 cup bacon bits))
- 3 tablespoons roasted and salted sunflower seeds
- Seasoned croutons ((See Notes for DIY))
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3–4 tablespoons honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced ( or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 3/4 tsp EACH salt, dried basil
- 1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined, or add them to a jar, cover, and shake vigorously to blend. I use my FAVORITE Salad Dressing Shaker HERE. The dressing is best if chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Assemble: Add the Romaine lettuce to a large bowl, then top with the salad ingredients. Hold the bacon and croutons if expecting leftovers and serve them on the side.
- Add the Dressing: If you're not expecting leftovers, drizzle the salad with the desired amount of dressing and toss. Alternatively, dress individual salads. Dig in!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: pasta salad Side Dish
- Cuisine: American