Introduction

This vibrant salad combines crunchy toasted almonds, crispy bacon, and fresh romaine for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Dressed with a tangy lemon and garlic vinaigrette, it’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or a tasty side dish.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad sits on a white marbled surface, showing bright green romaine lettuce leaves layered at the base. On top, there are halved red cherry tomatoes, golden brown croutons, and small pieces of crispy bacon scattered evenly. Thin slivers of pale cheese and small almond slices are sprinkled throughout, adding texture. A wooden spoon is partially inside the bowl resting on the salad, with a white and gray striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup slivered almonds
10 oz bacon (about 10 slices)
3 large romaine hearts, chopped into bite-size pieces (about 18 oz once chopped)
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup (1.4 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups croutons
3/4 cup light olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp honey
3/4 tsp salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey in a jar. Add salt and pepper, then cover and shake well until blended. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds evenly on a small baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden, about 6 to 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Remove and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 13 to 18 minutes, until browned and nearly crisp. Remove bacon and transfer to paper towels to cool and drain.
Step 4: Once cool, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Step 5: Rinse the chopped romaine under cold water and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl.
Step 6: Add the cooled almonds, chopped bacon, halved grape tomatoes, shredded Swiss cheese, and parmesan cheese to the lettuce.
Step 7: Shake the dressing again, then pour it over the salad. Toss everything together to coat evenly, add the croutons, and toss once more. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding sliced red onions or avocado to the salad.
Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option if preferred.
Make the dressing a day ahead to let the flavors meld, just shake before using.
Use homemade croutons for a fresh, crunchy addition.

Storage

Store any leftover salad components separately for best results. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Toss the salad and add croutons just before serving to prevent sogginess. Leftover dressed salad is best eaten within a few hours and should be refrigerated.

How to Serve

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of fresh salad ingredients. The base layer is green leafy lettuce spread evenly around the bowl. On top, sliced red cherry tomatoes are grouped on one side. Next to the tomatoes, there is a pile of pale, slivered almonds. Beside the almonds is a white shredded cheese layer, and next to it, another section of shredded mozzarella cheese. Crispy brown bacon bits cover part of the salad. A woman's hand pours a light, creamy dressing from a clear glass jar over the salad. In the background, a white bowl of golden croutons and a whole yellow lemon are visible. A wooden salad serving spoon rests in the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare the dressing and toast the almonds ahead of time. However, assemble the salad and add croutons just before serving to maintain freshness and crispiness.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but fresh juice will provide the brightest flavor.