Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

 

I love a chopped salad made with loads of veggies and romaine lettuce. I will admit I can eat this whole salad by myself and in the past, I have.

The secret to a perfect salad is organic, fresh, well washed ingredients. I take my time and chop everything perfectly.

If you don't own a salad spinner, you really should invest in one to make sure your salad greens are dry.

Don't forget to boil eggs quickly, cover eggs with cold water, bring to boil. Place a lid on pot, remove from heat and allow to rest, covered for 15 minutes.

This gives you perfect hard boiled eggs every time.

Make sure you use your favorite veggies, I love all type of veggies so I never have an issue making a really good salad.

You can create a big salad platter or make individual servings, cover with saran wrap if you plan on serving the salad later.

Also, it's important to not dress the salad until right before serving to prevent wilting of the greens. 

I can't wait to eat this salad. I also serve it with a side of grated cheese.


Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled is non organic, seeded, diced
2 cups tomatoes, seeded, chopped
2 cups organic garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup peperoncini, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
4 eggs, boiled, peeled, sliced
parmesean cheese, grated
pinch of black pepper
pinch of creole seasoning

For the Creole Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:

1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/3 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce

Directions:
 
To prepare the dressing, in a medium bowl whisk everything well, refrigerate until ready to use. 

To prepare the salad, rinse all the vegetables, spin dry in a salad spinner.

Place lettuce on the bottom of a big tray, top with all vegetables, season with a little pepper and creole seasonings, toss with dressing right before serving.