Name: Best Tossed Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487101H12M46S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups chopped romaine lettuce (1 large or 2 medium heads); ½ English cucumber, sliced; 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 carrot, julienned; 4 radishes, thinly sliced; 1 sweet apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; 4 oz Gouda cheese, cubed; 3 Tbsp roasted salted sunflower seeds; Seasoned croutons, to taste; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 3–4 Tbsp honey; 1 small garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder); ¾ tsp salt; ¾ tsp dried basil; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp black pepper

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Short Description

This vibrant tossed salad combines crisp romaine, sweet apples, crunchy veggies, creamy Gouda, and sunflower seeds, all dressed in a zesty homemade honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, colorful mix of vegetables and fruit
Balanced texture: creamy cheese, crunchy seeds, and crisp croutons
Homemade honey mustard dressing adds a sweet-tangy punch
Easy to customize and perfect year-round
Works as a side dish or light main course

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salad:

1 large head or 2 medium heads Romaine lettuce, chopped (about 10 cups)
½ English cucumber, sliced
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
4 medium radishes, sliced
1 sweet apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
4 oz cubed Gouda cheese
3 Tbsp roasted and salted sunflower seeds
Seasoned croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Honey Mustard Dressing:

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3–4 Tbsp honey
1 small garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
¾ tsp each: salt, dried basil
½ tsp each: onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper

Directions

1. Make the Dressing

Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well emulsified.
Alternatively, shake everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

2. Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine as the base.
Layer on cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrot matchsticks, sliced radishes, apple slices, red onion, cubed Gouda, and sunflower seeds.
Add seasoned croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.

3. Dress the Salad

If serving the entire salad at once and no leftovers are expected, drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss well.
For individual servings or if you expect leftovers, let each person add dressing to their own plate.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6–8 side servings or 3–4 main course salads
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Chill Time for Dressing: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total Time: ~45 minutes (including dressing chill time)

Variations

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein
Use feta or goat cheese instead of Gouda for a tangier flavor
Substitute almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds
Swap in pears or grapes instead of apples
Try a balsamic or ranch dressing if you want a different dressing profile

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Undressed salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Dressing: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
Croutons: Store separately in a dry container to maintain crunch.

FAQs

Can I Make the Salad in Advance?
Yes—chop and store ingredients separately, then assemble and dress just before serving.

What’s the Best Way to Keep Apples from Browning?
Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar before adding to the salad.

Is This Salad Good for Meal Prep?
Absolutely—store components separately and assemble fresh for a crisp result each time.

Can I Use Another Lettuce Besides Romaine?
Yes—spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula work well too.

How Do I Make Homemade Croutons?
Toss cubed bread with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until golden and crisp.

What If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
Substitute with yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard, though flavor may vary slightly.

Is This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free croutons and ensure all dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes—sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even Parmesan are great alternatives.

Can I Omit the Garlic in the Dressing?
Yes—replace with garlic powder or omit entirely for a milder flavor.

How Long Does the Dressing Last?
Up to 1 week in the fridge when stored in a sealed container.

Conclusion

This tossed salad is a refreshing and colorful addition to any table, with a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. Whether served as a vibrant side or a wholesome main, it’s a go-to recipe for fresh, feel-good eating.