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Ingredients
(Note: Ingredients may vary depending on your “junk yard” style — this version is a crowd favorite!)
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cabbage (green or purple), shredded
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (drained if canned)
- ½ cup sliced almonds or sunflower seeds
- ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles or crushed ramen noodles
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)
- Optional add-ins: diced avocado, sliced cucumbers, olives, dried cranberries
Dressing (quick & creamy version):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, honey, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste. - Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, oranges, nuts/seeds, noodles, bacon, and cheese. - Dress and toss:
Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. - Serve immediately:
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, while the crunchy bits still have their bite.
Tips & Twists
- Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas to bulk it up.
- Add spice: A dash of sriracha or jalapeños in the dressing adds a little heat.
- Go dairy-free: Skip the cheese and use a vegan mayo for a completely dairy-free version.
- Prep ahead: Chop everything and keep it separate, then toss with dressing right before serving to preserve texture.
Final Thoughts
This Junk Yard Salad might look like a happy accident, but it delivers royal-level flavor in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that surprises you — familiar ingredients, chaotic assembly, and yet… it just works. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, this salad will have you feeling like a king with every crunchy, creamy, craveable bite.
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