Little King Salad Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant salad that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, the Little King Salad is your perfect go-to dish. This delightful recipe combines crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, savory proteins, and a tangy homemade dressing that elevates every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side to accompany your main course, this salad offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.

Simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, the Little King Salad is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. You won’t need to hunt for exotic components—just fresh, everyday produce and pantry staples.

Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Let’s dive into what makes this salad so special and how you can master it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Little King Salad is a celebration of freshness and balance. It marries crisp lettuce with succulent cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a protein punch from grilled chicken or bacon.

The homemade dressing is a zesty blend that ties all these elements together without overpowering the natural flavors.

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for vegetarians by swapping the meat for hearty roasted chickpeas or tofu. Its bright colors and textures make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or simply brightening your day.

Additionally, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, and baby spinach)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or grilled chicken breast, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Small mixing bowl for dressing
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Salad tongs or large spoon and fork
• Optional: grill pan or skillet (if cooking chicken or bacon)

Instructions

1. Prepare the proteins: If using bacon, cook until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble into bits. For grilled chicken, season with salt and pepper, grill until cooked through, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Wash and dry the greens: Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water, spin dry in a salad spinner or pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Slice and dice produce: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning, and thinly slice the red onion.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cooked bacon or chicken, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and nuts if using.
6. Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated without bruising the greens.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for best texture and taste.

Tips & Variations

“For the freshest taste, add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.”

• Vegetarian option: Replace chicken or bacon with roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu cubes seasoned with smoked paprika.
• Nut-free: Omit the walnuts or pecans to keep the salad allergy-friendly.
• Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta or goat cheese for a different tangy flavor profile.
• Make it heartier: Add cooked quinoa or farro to turn this salad into a filling meal.
• Dressing variations: Substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidity level.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Little King Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled steak or fish for a balanced meal.

It also complements sandwiches and wraps perfectly, adding a fresh crunch on the side.

For a picnic or party, serve the salad chilled in a large bowl, letting guests help themselves. Adding a crusty baguette or garlic bread can round out the meal beautifully.

This salad is also a fantastic lunchbox option, just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat for maximum freshness.

Conclusion

The Little King Salad is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious option for anyone seeking a fresh and flavorful meal. Its ease of preparation makes it suitable for busy weeknights, while its vibrant flavors and textures are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or try one of the suggested variations, this salad brings a delightful balance of taste and nutrition to your table.

With its beautiful presentation and satisfying ingredients, the Little King Salad is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. For more healthy and delicious ideas, check out our other recipes like Grilled Chicken Quesadilla, Classic Caesar Salad, and Roasted Vegetable Pasta.

Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this salad any time of year!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Little King Salad”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fresh and vibrant salad combining crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 cups mixed salad greens”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/2 cup cucumber, sliced”, “1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced”, “1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced”, “1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled”, “2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil”, “1 tablespoon red wine vinegar”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “Salt to taste”, “Freshly ground black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and dry the salad greens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber and red onion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives in a large bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “14 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “8 g”}}