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–+ servings
best ever side salad with fork

Best Ever Side Salad

Liz Olberding @ Up North Nosh
Not your average cup of greens, this Best Ever Side Salad recipe has a secret preparation method to ensure each bite has bold flavors, and big crunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 231 kcal

Equipment

  • 4 small bowls
  • 1 sharp kinfe

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups mixed spring greens
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 t sunflower kernels roasted and salted variety
  • pinch salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 4 T ranch dressing (I like this one, but you can use your favorite brand)

Instructions
 

  • Grab 4 individual bowls, and place approx 1c of Spring Mix greens into each bowl.
  • Finely dice a red onion with a sharp knife until you have a heaping 1/2 c. Scoop approx 1T of diced onion on top of lettuce in each bowl.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 t of sunflower kernels and 1 T of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Drizzle each bowl with 1/2 T of ranch dressing and top with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Next, grab another 4c of mixed greens, and place 1c in each bowl on top of the ranch dressing layer.
  • Top with each bowl with another 1T of red onion, another 1/2t of sunflower kernels, and drizzle with another 1/2T of ranch dressing.
  • Sprinkle each salad with another 1T of the shredded cheddar and another pinch of salt and pepper.
  • I always sprinkle a few extra pieces of the diced red onion and sunflower kernels over the very top of each salad for garnish and a little extra crunch, but that's totally optional.
  • Serve as a first course or as a side dish.

Notes

The salad won't keep well as leftovers once the dressing has been added. You can store leftover lettuce and toppings in separate air tight containers in the fridge.
replace lid on bottled dressing and store in refrigerator as well. 
Of course this salad is great paired with juicy cheeseburgers or grilled chicken breast, but also try serving it with fun sandwiches like Air Fryer Pickle Chicken Sandwich, Shredded Chicken Sandwiches with White BBQ Sauce, or everyone's favorite Easy Sloppy Joes.
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Nutrition

Calories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 11gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 397mgPotassium: 992mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 35187IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 283mgIron: 4mg
Keyword mixed greens, side salad
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