Seattle 3 Leaf Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad featuring fresh greens, sweet mandarin oranges, salty feta, and crispy bacon, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette and topped with seeds for added texture. Perfect for gatherings or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine ⓘ
- 1 head red leaf spinach ⓘ
- 2 cup mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 pound bacon, crisp and crumbled ⓘ
- 0.5 medium red onion ⓘ
- 0.25 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 0.33 cup cider vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Add romaine, red leaf spinach, mandarin oranges, feta cheese, bacon, and red onion to a large bowl.
- Whisk sugar, dry mustard, salt, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil together until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Add poppy seed and sesame seed last, then toss gently to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the bacon with turkey bacon or omitting it altogether. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can mix in Greek yogurt with the vinaigrette. Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, can also enhance the flavor. To save time, pre-washed salad greens can be used. This salad pairs wonderfully with Ham Or Steak-Vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats or seafood. It complements dishes like Pork recipes beautifully, enhancing a summer barbecue spread. For a light lunch, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. You can also pair it with crusty bread or a light soup to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the greens from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. If the salad has already been dressed, consume it within a day for the best texture and flavor. Re-toss gently if the ingredients settle.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seattle 3 Leaf Salad contains roughly 576 calories, with 19g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 605mg per serving (26% 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 this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients a few hours in advance. However, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge, which will save time on busy days.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you don't like feta, you can use goat cheese or blue cheese for a bolder flavor. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Each of these will alter the taste slightly, so choose one that best fits your preference.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs. Quinoa or farro can also be mixed in for extra substance. These additions will transform the salad into a satisfying main dish while maintaining its refreshing quality.
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).