Tom’s Crunchy Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. Originating from a blend of classic salad ingredients and a touch of creative flair, this salad has become a favorite for those who enjoy a good crunch with every bite. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a vibrant side dish for dinner, Tom’s Crunchy Salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce – 1 head, chopped
- Red cabbage – 1/2 head, thinly sliced
- Carrots – 2 large, shredded
- Cucumber – 1 large, diced
- Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Radishes – 4, thinly sliced
- Green onions – 3, chopped
- Sunflower seeds – 1/4 cup
- Almonds – 1/4 cup, slivered
- Feta cheese – 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Avocado – 1, diced
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry all the vegetables thoroughly. Ensure there’s no excess water as it can make the salad soggy.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- Thinly slice the red cabbage and add it to the bowl.
- Shred the carrots using a grater or food processor and mix them in.
- Dice the cucumber and add to the mix.
- Thinly slice the red bell pepper and radishes, then toss them into the bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the green onions, adding them to the salad.
Step 2: Add the Crunch
- Toast the sunflower seeds and slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Let them cool and sprinkle over the salad.
- Crumble the feta cheese and dice the avocado, gently mixing them into the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Extra Crunch
- Keep it fresh: Use the freshest ingredients to ensure maximum crunch.
- Chill your veggies: Refrigerate the chopped vegetables for at least 30 minutes before assembling the salad to enhance their crispiness.
- Dry thoroughly: Ensure all salad ingredients are well-dried to avoid any sogginess.
Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Different nuts: Substitute almonds and sunflower seeds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
- Fruit twist: Add some sliced apples or pears for a sweet crunch.
Substitutions
- Cheese: Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta.
- Greens: Substitute romaine lettuce with kale or spinach.
- Dressing: Try a balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information
Here is the basic nutritional information per serving of Tom’s Crunchy Salad:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Conclusion
Tom’s Crunchy Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that brings a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner side, this salad is easy to customize and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. We hope you enjoy making and eating this salad as much as we do.