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4.7 from 138 votes

Amazing Romaine Salad with Light Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Vinaigrette:
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup white vinegar (see note)
  • ⅓ cup avocado oil olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon poppy seeds
Candied Nuts:
  • 1 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans are my favorites
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Small pinch of salt and cayenne pepper
Salad:
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce chopped
  • ½ cup feta bleu or Parmesan cheese
  • 6-8 strips bacon cooked and chopped or crumbled
  • ½ - 1 cup dried cranberries or cherries

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. For the dressing, combine all the ingredients except the poppy seeds in a blender and process until combined. Add the poppy seeds and give it another whirl to combine. Pour in a jar and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. For the nuts, in a 10-inch skillet, combine the nuts, sugar, butter, salt and cayenne. Heat over medium, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the sugar and butter melts and coats the nuts, 3-5 minutes. Immediately scrape the nuts onto a sheet of parchment and separate carefully into pieces to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, cheese, bacon, dried fruit, and cooled nuts (break them into smaller pieces with a mallet, if needed). Pour a bit of the dressing over the top and toss to combine. Add more dressing, if needed (you may not use it all). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Vinegar: I've also made it deliciously with red wine vinegar and an orange champagne vinegar I spied at Trader Joe's.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 410kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 501mg (21%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 25g (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 410kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 501mg 21%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 25g 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.