If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a special treat while still being hearty and satisfying, the Country Club Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant, layered salad brings together crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory chicken and bacon, creamy avocado, and shredded cheddar, all tied together with a luscious ranch or blue cheese dressing. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that creates a meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner side.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the secret to the Country Club Salad Recipe’s irresistible appeal. Each component adds a unique touch, bringing balance and excitement to every bite.
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that’s perfect for layering.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the salad.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced: Delivers lean protein and savory depth.
- 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon: Brings smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the fresh veggies.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds creamy, sharp flavor and a satisfying richness.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers a mild bite and lovely purple hue.
- 1/2 avocado, diced: Introduces buttery texture and healthy fats.
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped: Boosts protein and adds smooth, gentle richness.
- 1/4 cup croutons: Provides a crispy, toasty finish to every forkful.
- 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: The creamy dressing that ties all flavors and textures together perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Country Club Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by chopping fresh romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and placing them as the foundation in a large salad bowl. This crisp bed is what everything else will rest on, so make sure it’s fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Layer the Fresh and Savory Ingredients
Evenly distribute halved cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness, followed by diced cooked chicken breast and crispy bacon to add heartiness and smoky undertones. Next, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and thin slices of red onion for diverse flavor and texture.
Step 3: Add the Creamy and Crunchy Elements
Diced avocado brings a velvety richness, while chopped hard-boiled eggs add extra protein and smoothness. Toss in croutons at this stage to introduce a delightful crunch that keeps the salad exciting with every bite.
Step 4: Dress and Season
Drizzle your preferred ranch or blue cheese dressing generously over the layered ingredients. Toss gently, ensuring every leaf and topping is beautifully coated. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Country Club Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley on top. A few shaved Parmesan curls can also elevate the taste and appearance with ease.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread. For a fuller meal, complement it with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a light pasta dish, making your dining experience feel truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve your Country Club Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or mason jars, letting each layer shine through. You can also arrange the ingredients in stripes on a platter for a visually stunning table centerpiece everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this salad due to the fresh ingredients and dressing, you can freeze cooked chicken and bacon ahead of time to save prep work for your next round of this recipe.
Reheating
The components of the Country Club Salad Recipe are best served cold and fresh, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers chilled or slightly at room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Turkey or ham are great alternatives that suit the Country Club Salad Recipe wonderfully, providing different but equally delicious flavors.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free dressing and croutons, and you’ll have a fantastic gluten-free meal option.
Can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace chicken and bacon with plant-based proteins, use vegan cheese, omit eggs, and opt for a dairy-free dressing.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire Country Club Salad Recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, including cooking the bacon and hard-boiled eggs, making it a perfect weekday meal.
What dressing works best?
Traditional ranch or blue cheese dressing complements this salad perfectly, but feel free to experiment with your favorite creamy dressings to suit your palate.
Final Thoughts
The Country Club Salad Recipe really is a delightful balance of fresh, creamy, and savory elements that make eating healthy feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this salad promises satisfaction in every forkful. Give it a try today—you might just find your new go-to lunch or dinner favorite!
Print
Country Club Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Country Club Salad is a hearty American chopped salad featuring a satisfying blend of fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy avocado, and hard-boiled eggs. Topped with croutons and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a fulfilling, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup croutons
Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Dairy and Dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large salad bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce to form an even layer as the foundation of the salad.
- Add the toppings: Evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cooked chicken breast, diced cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and croutons over the lettuce base to create a colorful and flavorful mix.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over all the ingredients to add creaminess and rich flavor.
- Toss and season: Gently toss the salad ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the Country Club Salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or ham for the chicken to vary the protein.
- This salad is an excellent way to use up leftovers, making it both delicious and resourceful.
- For extra crunch and added flavor, incorporate sliced cucumbers or your favorite nuts into the salad.
- To keep this salad gluten-free, ensure the dressing and croutons used are gluten-free varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
