Description
This Classic Southern Salad is a fresh and hearty mix of crisp romaine, juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and savory additions like boiled eggs, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Tossed with a creamy homemade buttermilk dressing infused with lemon, fresh chives, garlic, and dill, it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that’s ideal for a refreshing lunch or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Buttermilk Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped fresh chives, pressed garlic clove, dried dill, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the chopped romaine hearts into a large salad bowl. Evenly top the greens with halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy croutons, and bacon bits.
- Serve the Salad: Toss the salad gently before serving, or leave it as is. Drizzle the buttermilk dressing over the salad or serve it on the side so each diner can add dressing to taste.
Notes
- Boil the eggs ahead of time and chill them for easier slicing.
- Bacon bits can be substituted with freshly cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- Croutons add crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
- The buttermilk dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for deeper flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste to keep the salad balanced and fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern salad, buttermilk dressing, romaine salad, classic salad recipe, bacon salad, cheddar cheese salad
