Luncheon Salad with Pretty in Pink Dressing
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone! Now I know that I have shared several ideas for St. Patty’s as far as dinner and dessert, but this could still qualify today for your green celebration because this is a leafy green salad. However, this recipe for luncheon salad with pretty in pink dressing is also perfect to serve at a bridal or baby shower. It is especially good for a baby girl shower. It is even excellent as a main dish or side to a regular dinner at home.
This recipe comes from one of my aunts. It is a very versatile salad. You can adjust it as you like. You can add chicken to make a heartier salad. Or leave it out and serve as a side dish. Either way it taste delicious. The recipe also makes a ton, but can be easily adjusted to a smaller scale. I love that the dressing it ends up being a beautiful pink color thanks to some purple onion and red wine vinegar. Yummy!
Luncheon Salad Recipe with Pretty in Pink Dressing Ingredients
- ROMAINE LETTUCE
- MEDITERRANEAN SALAD MIX
- FRESH PARMESAN
- SHREDDED MOZZARELLA
- BACON
- ROASTED SLIVERED ALMONDS
- CHICKEN BREAST
- TERIYAKI MARINADE
- CRAISINS
- DICED RED APPLE
- SUGAR
- RED WINE VINEGAR
- DRY MUSTARD
- SALT
- RED ONION
- CANOLA OIL
Instructions for Luncheon Salad with Pretty in Pink Dressing
Start by tossing together your salad ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
For the dressing, blend sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and red onion in a blender until smooth. While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in canola oil through the lid’s opening, allowing the mixture to emulsify. Continue blending until the onion is fully incorporated and the dressing is creamy.
This recipe should yield enough salad and dressing to serve approximately 18 guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before serving.
Can I substitute the canola oil with another oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or light olive oil as alternatives. Avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, they might overpower the dressing.
How long does the dressing last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, the dressing will stay fresh for about 3–4 days.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Of course! If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a crowd?
Toss the salad ingredients together right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Serve the dressing on the side so guests can add it to their liking.
Can this recipe be scaled up or down?
Definitely! Adjust the quantity of salad and dressing ingredients based on the number of servings needed.
For more recipes like this, try:
Luncheon Salad with Pretty in Pink Dressing
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 bag romaine lettuce
- 2 bags Mediterranean salad mix can do one of these bags as spinach
- 1 ½ cup fresh Parmesan
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2-1 lb bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup roasted slivered almonds I used Butter Toffee Glazed Almond Accents
- 6 cooked chicken breast diced (My aunt uses chicken that has been marinated in teriyaki or you can leave the chicken out)
Additional mix ins:
- craisins
- red apple diced
- extra almonds
Pretty in Pink Dressing
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- 1 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Toss ingredients together and serve with Pretty In Pink Dressing.
- For the dressing – In the blender add the sugar, vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and red onion. Turn on blender and through opening in blender lid slowly add 1 cup canola while blending. Blend until onion is all chopped into dressing and is well blended with the oil.
- If I had to guess this should serve at least 18 people.
