Best Tossed Salad Recipe

This vibrant tossed salad is a flavor-packed classic elevated with crisp apples, smoky bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, creamy Gouda, and a crave-worthy honey mustard dressing layered with spices. As a salad enthusiast, I’ve fine-tuned every ingredient to create a salad that’s bold, comforting, and fresh. See the post for easy tips, tasty variations, and make-ahead ideas to keep this salad on repeat for everything from weeknight dinners to entertaining.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 large head Romaine lettuce or 2 medium, (chopped (about 10 cups))
• 1/2 English cucumber, (sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, (halved)
• 1 carrot, (cut into matchsticks)
• 4 medium radishes, (sliced)
• 1 sweet apple ( like Honecrisp or Fuji)
• 1/4 red onion, (sliced)
• 4 oz. cubed Gouda
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled ((or 1/2 cup bacon bits))
• 3 tablespoons roasted and salted sunflower seeds
• Seasoned croutons ((See Notes for DIY))
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3-4 tablespoons honey
• 1 small garlic clove, minced ( or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 3/4 tsp EACH salt, dried basil
• 1/2 tsp EACH onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Make the Dressing: Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined, or add them to a jar, cover, and shake vigorously to blend. I use my FAVORITE Salad Dressing Shaker HERE. The dressing is best if chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. 2Assemble: Add the Romaine lettuce to a large bowl, then top with the salad ingredients. Hold the bacon and croutons if expecting leftovers and serve them on the side.
3. 3Add the Dressing: If you're not expecting leftovers, drizzle the salad with the desired amount of dressing and toss. Alternatively, dress individual salads. Dig in!