Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites—the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad! Every time I visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House, I can’t resist starting my meal with this vibrant, fresh salad. The combination of crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese makes it a flavor explosion in every bite! It’s not just a salad; it’s an experience that brightens up any meal. I love how the crunchy bacon bits add just the right amount of savory goodness. What’s even better? You can whip this up at home without the fuss! This recipe is my way of capturing that delightful dining experience, and trust me, you’re going to want to recreate it again and again. So, let’s dive into making this deliciously fresh and flavorful salad that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients List

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced to add a bit of zing
1 cup cucumbers, diced for that refreshing crunch
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese, because who doesn’t love that tang?
1/2 cup bacon bits, adding smoky richness
1/4 cup olive oil, to bring it all together
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, for a lovely tangy kick
Salt and pepper to taste, to season just right

How to Prepare Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, let’s chop that romaine lettuce! Grab a large head of romaine, wash it thoroughly, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a big bowl—this is where all the magic happens!
Next, it’s time to add some color and flavor. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumbers. The freshness of these veggies is what makes this salad stand out!
Now, for my favorite part—add the crumbled blue cheese and those crispy bacon bits. Just picture that creamy tang from the cheese and the crunchy texture from the bacon blending together. Yum!
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste. This dressing is super simple but oh-so-delicious!
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together gently. Make sure every piece gets coated with that lovely dressing. You want to see vibrant colors and feel that fresh crunch!
And voilà! Serve this delightful salad immediately to enjoy the freshness at its best. You can even plate it up individually if you’re feeling fancy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip this salad up in just 15 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something fresh.
Fresh Ingredients: Every bite bursts with the flavors of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers. It’s like a garden party in a bowl!
Healthy Option: Packed with veggies and protein from the bacon and blue cheese, this salad is a nutritious choice that won’t weigh you down.
Versatile Serving: Whether it’s a side dish at a barbecue or the star of your lunch, this salad fits any occasion. You can even add grilled chicken for a heartier meal!
Customizable: Feel free to mix things up! Swap in your favorite ingredients or dressings to make it your own—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it!

Tips for Success

Getting the most out of your Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is all about the little details! Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your salad is nothing short of amazing:

Freshness is Key: Always use the freshest ingredients you can find. Crisp romaine, vibrant tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers make all the difference. If your veggies are fresh, your salad will be too!
Don’t Overmix: When tossing the salad with the dressing, do it gently! You want to coat everything nicely without bruising the veggies or crumbling the cheese too much.
Adjust the Dressing: Taste as you go! If you like it a bit tangier, add more red wine vinegar. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Customize it to suit your palate!
Prep Ahead: You can chop the veggies and prepare the dressing in advance—just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, everything stays fresh and crunchy!
Watch the Bacon: If you’re using leftover bacon, make sure it’s crispy! Soggy bacon bits can ruin the texture. You can even bake the bacon in the oven for an easy, mess-free option!
Make it Colorful: Don’t hesitate to throw in other colorful veggies like bell peppers or radishes. The more colors, the more appetizing it looks, and you get a variety of flavors too!

And remember, the most important part is to enjoy the process. Cooking should be fun and creative, so don’t stress—just have a blast whipping up this salad!

Variations

One of the best things about the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste and cravings! Here are some delicious ideas to switch things up:

Grilled Chicken: For a heartier meal, add some sliced grilled chicken on top. It not only boosts the protein but also gives the salad a satisfying heft!
Different Dressings: Feel free to experiment with dressings! A creamy ranch or a zesty lemon vinaigrette can bring a whole new vibe to the salad. Just remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly!
Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats. It pairs beautifully with the blue cheese and bacon!
Nuts and Seeds: Toss in some toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch and a boost of flavor. Plus, they add a lovely nutty richness!
Roasted Vegetables: If you’re craving something warm, consider adding roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. They’ll add depth and a cozy touch to your salad!
Fruits: Try adding some sliced strawberries or apple chunks for a sweet twist. The fruity flavors contrast beautifully with the savory ingredients!
Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can brighten up the salad and add a burst of freshness. Just chop them up and sprinkle them in!

The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine! Mix and match until you find your perfect combination. Enjoy every bite of your customized creation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad properly is essential to keep it fresh and delicious! Here’s how I do it:

Refrigerate Promptly: If you have leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them as soon as possible. Place the salad in an airtight container to keep it from wilting and absorbing other fridge odors.
Keep the Dressing Separate: If you know you won’t finish the salad in one sitting, store the dressing separately. This way, the salad stays crisp and fresh for longer. Just toss it with the dressing right before serving!
Consume Within 2-3 Days: For the best taste and texture, aim to enjoy your salad within 2-3 days. After that, the ingredients may start to lose their freshness and crunch.
Reviving Leftovers: If your salad seems a bit sad after a day or two, try adding a splash of fresh olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice. It can help revive the flavors and add a little zing!
No Reheating Needed: This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just grab it from the fridge, toss it with a bit more dressing if needed, and dig in!

With these storage tips, you can keep enjoying that fresh and flavorful Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad for days to come! Happy munching!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delightful Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 10g

This salad is not only packed with flavor but also offers a balanced mix of nutrients to keep you feeling good. It’s a great option whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I make the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just chop all your veggies and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a fresh, vibrant salad waiting for you!

What if I don’t like blue cheese?

No problem at all! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for feta or goat cheese. Both will add a lovely creaminess and tang without the strong flavor of blue cheese.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Yes! This salad is super customizable. Feel free to add your favorite proteins like grilled shrimp or turkey, or toss in some nuts, seeds, or other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch!

Is the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad gluten-free?

Yes, it is! As long as you use gluten-free bacon and ensure any additional ingredients you add are also gluten-free, this salad is a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from wilting. Enjoy your leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture!

Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad: 5 Fresh Ingredients to Savor

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and flavorful salad inspired by Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Ingredients

Scale

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup bacon bits
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, blue cheese, and bacon bits.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste.
This salad can be made ahead of time; just add dressing before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Ruth's Chris Chopped Salad, salad recipe, chopped salad

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