Best Side Salad

by Meg
Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.
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Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

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I love a simpe side salad with all my favorite things and this is it. It’s quick and easy to throw together and will go well with just about anything you’re serving for dinner.

Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

Ingredients for the Best Side Salad

You just need a handful of basic ingredients to make this side salad.

  • Lettuce: You can use whatever type of lettuce you love. My favorite for a side salad is romaine.
  • Shredded carrots: I buy the matchstick carrots in the produce section. I like that they are a little more substantial and have a nice crunch. You can also peel and shred carrots.
  • Tomatoes: I like to halve cherry or grape tomatoes. You can also chop a large tomato into small chunks.
  • Cucumber: Adds another nice crunch to the salad. I prefer English cucumbers for their flavor and because they are seedless.
  • Hard boiled eggs: I love the richness and soft texture hard boiled eggs add to a salad.
  • Bacon: This is optional but who doesn’t want bacon on their salad.
  • Croutons: Store-bought or homemade. Because every salad needs a carby crunch.
  • Cheese: Every good side salad needs cheese. My favorite options are shredded sharp cheddar or blue cheese crumbles, depending on what I’m serving alongside the salad.
Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

How to Assemble the Best Side Salad

Start by hard boiling your eggs. My favorite way to make them is the 5-5-5 instant pot method.

While the eggs are cooking, prepare the salad ingredients. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon into small pieces and add to hot skillet.

Cook until crisp then drain on a paper towel lined plate.

Chop the lettuce into small, bite-size pieces and add to a large salad bowl or portion into small bowls.

Slice cucumber in half lengthwise then into half-moons. Slice tomatoes in half.

Once the eggs are cool enough to handle, peel and chop into small pieces.

Top lettuce with cucumber, tomatoes, egg, croutons and cheese. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and toss to coat.

Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

Additional Toppings

I gave you a basic salad with all our favorites but feel free to add your favorites to the salad. Here’s some additional topping options that would be delicious.

  • Diced bell peppers
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Chopped celery
  • Red onion
  • Dried fruits
  • Nuts or seeds
  • Finely chopped fresh broccoli
  • Radish
  • Snap peas
  • French fried onions (my favorite crunchy carb salad addition)

You get the idea. Base what you add on your main dish and preferences.

Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

My Favorite Salad Dressings

These are my favorite dressings to add to the best side salad.

Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.
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Best Side Salad

Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best side salad
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Meg’s Everyday Indulgence

Ingredients

  • 5 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced in half-moons
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • Croutons
  • Dressing of choice

Instructions

  • Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Dice bacon into small bite-size pieces. Add to hot skillet and cook until crisp. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
  • Grab a large bowl or 4 individual bowls for serving. Add lettuce. Top with crispy bacon, chopped hard boiled eggs, shredded carrot, cucumber, tomatoes and croutons. Top with your favorite dressing and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

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Sometimes you just need a simple side salad to round out your meal. Get ready for the best side salad using simple ingredients you already have in your refrigerator.

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