If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, zesty, and utterly irresistible salad that brightens up any meal, then you absolutely need to dive into this Green Jacket Salad Recipe. Bursting with crisp greens, tangy cherry tomatoes, and that delightful crunch from pita chips, it’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re serving it as a vibrant side or a light main, this salad has a way of turning everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is key to making this Green Jacket Salad Recipe come alive. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp lettuce creating a refreshing base to the rich Parmesan adding a savory note, while the herbs and seasonings elevate the dressing to a whole new level.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for a smooth, rich dressing foundation.
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds that perfect tanginess that brightens the salad.
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and an aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp seasoned salt: This enhances all the flavors with a savory depth.
- ¼ tsp Accent seasoning (or to taste): A subtle umami boost that enriches the dressing.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Delivers a fragrant herbiness that ties the dressing together.
- 1 head iceberg or 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped: Choose your favorite for crunch or heartiness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juiciness and a sweet contrast to the greens.
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor that keeps the salad lively.
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty richness that’s irresistible.
- ½ cup broken pita chips: Offers a satisfying crunch and rustic texture.
How to Make Green Jacket Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Dressing
Start by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, seasoned salt, Accent seasoning, and dried oregano in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the dressing is smooth and aromatic, giving you that vibrant flavor punch your salad will crave.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together your chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and pita chips. This blend of fresh, crisp, and crunchy ingredients sets the stage for a salad that excites with every bite.
Step 3: Toss with the Dressing
Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to coat each leaf and piece in that flavorful mixture evenly. The result is a beautifully balanced salad ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Green Jacket Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan or a few fresh parsley leaves on top. Adding a few whole pita chips on the side not only adds an inviting crunch but also makes your presentation pop with texture.
Side Dishes
This Green Jacket Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, as the freshness complements smoky flavors perfectly. It also shines alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty pasta dish, making it versatile for almost any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual lettuce cups or on a flat platter for sharing. Layering the ingredients in a clear jar also makes a visually stunning lunch option that lets the vibrant colors of this recipe shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Green Jacket Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and crunchy pita chips which lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge with the dressing added just before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pita chips with something else?
Absolutely! If pita chips aren’t your thing, try toasted croutons or even chopped nuts like almonds for a different kind of crunch.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The dressing can be whisked together a day ahead and refrigerated, just give it a good stir before tossing with the salad.
What if I don’t have Accent seasoning?
No worries! You can skip the Accent seasoning or substitute with a pinch of MSG or seasoned salt to achieve a comparable umami flavor.
How long will the salad stay fresh after tossing?
For best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within a couple of hours after tossing to keep the greens crisp and the pita chips crunchy.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Green Jacket Salad Recipe. Its simplicity combined with bold, fresh flavors makes it a standout dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I encourage you to try it soon and watch it become one of your go-to salads for any occasion!
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Green Jacket Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Green Jacket Salad combines crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh green onions, and crunchy pita chips, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, and seasonings. Perfect as a light side dish or a quick, flavorful lunch, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- ¼ tsp Accent seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Salad
- 1 head iceberg lettuce or 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup broken pita chips
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped fresh parsley, seasoned salt, Accent seasoning, and dried oregano until fully combined to create a flavorful dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese, and broken pita chips to form the base of the salad.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing, then serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute iceberg lettuce with romaine for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning amounts according to your taste preferences, especially the Accent seasoning which is optional.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep pita chips crunchy.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita chips or omit them.
