Two-Cheese Tossed Salad
A vibrant tossed salad combining fresh greens, mushrooms, and two cheeses with a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and cheese lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 5 cups torn fresh spinach
- 5 cups torn iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms sliced ⓘ
- 1 carton (8 oz.) cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 bacon strips cooked and crumbled ⓘ
Instructions
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine vegetable oil, chopped red onion, sugar, vinegar, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, prepared mustard, and salt.
- Refrigerate the dressing overnight to let flavors meld.
- Just before serving, toss torn spinach, torn iceberg lettuce, sliced mushrooms, cottage cheese, and shredded Swiss cheese in a large salad bowl.
- Shake the dressing well and pour over the salad, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon strips before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored vinegar like balsamic or apple cider. If you're out of cottage cheese, ricotta can be a great substitute. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. Make sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly to prevent the dressing from becoming watery. If using fresh herbs, try adding some basil for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Two-Cheese Tossed Salad pairs beautifully with Oven Dish Meal or can be served alongside grilled meats for a light summer dinner. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. It also works well as a side dish for BBQ gatherings or picnics. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored separately for a longer shelf life. When ready to enjoy, toss the salad gently again and add fresh dressing as needed to revitalize the flavors. Avoid reheating the salad, as it is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two-Cheese Tossed Salad contains roughly 156 calories, with 4g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 826mg per serving (36% 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
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this salad can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon. You can add extra veggies or even some chickpeas for protein. It's a versatile dish that can accommodate various dietary preferences.
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).