Three Leaf Salad
A vibrant and flavorful three-leaf salad featuring fresh greens, tangy mandarin oranges, salty feta, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy dressing perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine ⓘ
- 1 bunch spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups feta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 bunch red leaf lettuce ⓘ
- 1 can mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon grated onion
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and chop all vegetables; put in a salad bowl.
- Add mandarin oranges, feta cheese, and cooked bacon that is crumbled up.
- Make dressing, then toss with other ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using crumbled goat cheese instead of feta. You can also substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the cider vinegar by a tablespoon. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the salad's freshness. Make sure to wash the leafy greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Serving Suggestions
This salad serves as a refreshing side dish and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or hearty American recipes like Pork Chops 'N' Gravy. You can also serve it as a light lunch by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. For a more filling meal, try pairing it with a warm bowl of Good Old 'Tater' Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing to refresh the flavors. If the salad seems dry, you can add a splash of fresh vinegar or a drizzle of oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Leaf Salad contains roughly 1033 calories, with 24g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (97% of the Daily Value), iron (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% 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! The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate. This makes it convenient for quick meals during the week.
Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the bacon and any other ingredients you use do not contain gluten. Check labels for any pre-packaged ingredients, especially the dressing components, to avoid any gluten contamination.
What can I use instead of mandarin oranges?
If mandarin oranges aren't available, you can substitute them with segments of grapefruit or fresh sliced strawberries for a different type of sweetness. Alternatively, canned peaches or pineapple chunks can also work well for a fruity twist in this salad.
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).