Orange-Romaine Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring crisp romaine and iceberg lettuce, sweet orange segments, toasted almonds, and smoky bacon, all dressed in a tangy vinaigrette—perfect for light, flavorful gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and hot sauce in a jar.
- Cover tightly and shake vigorously until well blended; set aside.
- Combine torn romaine lettuce, torn iceberg lettuce, orange sections, toasted slivered almonds, and sliced green onions in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the lettuce mixture immediately before serving; toss gently.
- Sprinkle with cooked, crumbled bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding diced avocado or swapping the almonds for walnuts. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey. To save time, you can use pre-packaged orange sections and pre-washed lettuce. This salad is perfect for a summer cookout or as a refreshing side to accompany dishes like Ham Fondue.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a great addition to summer meals. For a complete meal, serve alongside Supper Bread or a hearty sandwich, allowing the flavors to complement each other.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. If you need to reheat any bacon, do so in a skillet over low heat to maintain its crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange-Romaine Salad contains roughly 337 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1148mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to shake it well before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
What other fruits can I add to the salad?
Feel free to customize the salad by adding seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced apples. These additions will enhance the flavor and add a pop of color, making the dish even more appealing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be a part of your meal prep routine! Just keep the dressing separate and mix everything together just before serving. This way, it stays fresh and crunchy throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).