Save to Pinterest A vibrant, tangy chopped salad bursting with crunchy vegetables, crisp romaine, and a zesty dill pickle dressing is perfect for a refreshing lunch or side dish.
I first made this salad for a picnic, and it quickly became a favorite among my friends for its unexpected tang and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: 2 cups, finely chopped
- Green cabbage: 1 cup, finely chopped
- English cucumber: 1 cup, diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Red onion: 1/2 cup, finely diced
- Fresh dill pickles: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Fresh dill: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Roasted sunflower seeds: 1/2 cup, unsalted
- Crispy fried onions: 1/2 cup, gluten-free if needed
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup
- Plain Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup
- Pickle juice: 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, celery, red onion, pickles, and dill.
- Make the dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine salad and dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Add the crunch:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the sunflower seeds and crispy fried onions over the top for crunch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Save to Pinterest We love serving this salad at family gatherings, where everyone delights in its crunchy, tangy bite and fresh flavors.
Required Tools
Large salad bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk, chef’s knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains eggs in mayonnaise, dairy in Greek yogurt, and possible gluten in crispy fried onions. For gluten-free: use certified gluten-free crispy fried onions. For egg allergy: choose egg-free mayonnaise.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 240, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 7 g
Save to Pinterest This salad is best enjoyed fresh, bringing together zingy flavors and lively crunch in every bite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the salad crunchy?
Sprinkle seeds and crispy onions just before serving to maintain texture. Toss greens right before eating.
- → Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free yogurt for Greek yogurt and ensure other ingredients fit your needs.
- → What kind of pickles work best?
Use fresh dill pickles for a tangy flavor. Avoid sweet varieties for the classic zing.
- → Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Try grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or turkey for a heartier dish.
- → How do I serve this for guests?
Mound salad in a large bowl, add toppings just before serving, and pair with a crisp white wine.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Yes, use certified gluten-free crispy onions to ensure the dish is safe for gluten-sensitive diners.