Classic Southern Salad Recipe

Introduction

Classic Southern Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish packed with crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and a creamy buttermilk dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a flavorful side to your favorite meal.

Ingredients

• 2 romaine hearts (chopped)
• 8 ounces grape tomatoes (halved)
• 1 English cucumber (diced)
• 3 boiled eggs (sliced)
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup croutons
• ½ cup bacon bits
• ¾ cup buttermilk (divided)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 garlic clove (pressed)
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, garlic, dried dill, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, and bacon bits.
3. Step 3: Toss the salad gently before serving. Drizzle the buttermilk dressing over the top or serve it on the side to add to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Swap bacon bits for cooked chopped turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Use fresh dill instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
• Make the dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Storage

Store the salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing refrigerated for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheat is not recommended as it is best enjoyed fresh and cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with iceberg, butter lettuce, or a mixed greens blend for a different texture and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients and combine them just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Classic Southern Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

A refreshing Classic Southern Salad featuring crisp romaine, juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, boiled eggs, shredded cheddar, croutons, and smoky bacon bits, all brought together with a creamy and tangy homemade buttermilk dressing.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 romaine hearts, chopped
• 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 3 boiled eggs, sliced
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup croutons
• ½ cup bacon bits

Dressing Ingredients

• ¾ cup buttermilk, divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped chives, pressed garlic clove, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine hearts. Top the greens evenly with halved grape tomatoes, diced English cucumber, sliced boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, and bacon bits.
3. Toss and Serve: Before serving, toss the salad gently to combine. Drizzle the prepared buttermilk dressing over the top or serve it on the side to allow guests to add to taste.

Notes

• For extra crunch, use homemade or high-quality croutons.
• Feel free to substitute bacon bits with cooked, crumbled bacon for fresher taste.
• Boil eggs ahead of time and refrigerate for convenience.
• Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to your taste preferences.
• This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or as a refreshing side dish.

Keywords: Classic Southern Salad, buttermilk dressing, romaine salad, bacon salad, easy salad recipe, southern cuisine