Zesty Low-Carb Green Salad Delight
Indulge in this refreshing Zesty Low-Carb Green Salad Delight, perfect for holiday feasts or any special occasion. This vibrant salad combines crisp mixed greens with the rich flavors of bacon, creamy Swiss cheese, and crunchy toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. With a delightful balance of textures and flavors, this dish is a festive addition to your low-carb repertoire that everyone will love. Enjoy the ease of preparation with a dressing inspired by a classic junior league cookbook, tailored to fit your low-carb lifestyle.
6
Servings
50
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (none)
Splenda Sugar Substitute
2/3 cup (none)
Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Minced Onions
3 teaspoons (minced)
Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground for best flavor)
Vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Mixed Salad Greens
12 cups (cleaned and chopped)
Crisp-Cooked Bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Shredded Swiss Cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
Toasted Sliced Almonds
2 ounces (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, Splenda sugar substitute, dry mustard, minced onions, garlic salt, freshly ground black pepper, and vinegar.
2
Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until the dressing is well blended and smooth.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, crumbled bacon, shredded Swiss cheese, and toasted sliced almonds.
4
Pour half of the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Taste the salad and add more dressing as desired, mixing again until you achieve your preferred flavor.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
1.3g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Low-Carb Green Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing, vibrant salad combining mixed greens, bacon, Swiss cheese, and toasted almonds with a tangy homemade low-carb dressing.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 1.3g of carbohydrates per serving, it fits well into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of vegetable oil, Splenda, dry mustard, minced onions, garlic salt, black pepper, and vinegar.
Can I use real sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, but it will significantly increase the carbohydrate and calorie count, making it no longer low-carb.
How do I prepare the salad?
Whisk the dressing ingredients, combine the salad components in a large bowl, and toss with the dressing.
What kind of greens are used?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of cleaned and chopped mixed salad greens.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and components separately, but it is best to toss them right before serving to keep the greens crisp.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 50 calories, 4.2g of fat, 1.3g of carbs, 1.7g of protein, and 0.5g of fiber.
Is this salad suitable for holiday occasions?
Absolutely, it is designed as a festive addition for holiday feasts like Christmas or Easter.
How do I toast the almonds?
You can toast sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat or in the oven until they are golden and fragrant.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like provolone or white cheddar, though Swiss provides a specific creamy flavor.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels for additives.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover salad already tossed in dressing may wilt quickly; store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the dressing compared to neutral vegetable oil.
What type of bacon should I use?
Use 8 slices of crisp-cooked bacon that have been crumbled into small pieces for the best texture.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 50 calories per serving of this salad.
Is there any fiber in this salad?
Yes, there is approximately 0.5g of fiber per serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
You can certainly add low-carb vegetables like cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch if desired.
What type of vinegar works best?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well for providing the necessary tang to the dressing.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-blended?
Whisk the ingredients vigorously in a mixing bowl until the sugar substitute is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can omit the bacon to make the salad vegetarian, though you will lose the smoky, salty flavor profile.
How much dressing should I use initially?
Start by pouring half of the prepared dressing over the salad and add more according to your personal taste preference.
What is the inspiration for the dressing recipe?
The dressing is inspired by a classic junior league cookbook, adapted specifically for a low-carb lifestyle.
How much Swiss cheese is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of shredded Swiss cheese for this recipe.
Can I use onion powder instead of minced onions?
Minced onions provide more texture, but onion powder can be used as a substitute in a smaller quantity if preferred.
How much Splenda is required?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of Splenda sugar substitute.
Are the almonds mandatory for the recipe?
No, but they provide a necessary crunch and healthy fats that complement the other ingredients.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests adding freshly ground black pepper to taste for the best flavor profile.
What is the classification of this dish?
It is classified as a side dish under the 'Greens' category.