How to Build the Ultimate Salad Bar
Bring the buffet to you! This guide is great for easy entertaining.
Ultimate Salad Bar
Create the ultimate salad bar at home with these quick and simple tips and tricks (including two deliciously easy homemade salad dressings). Hint: Get some help from the store!
Get Your Greens
First things first: the foundation. In three separate large bowls, place the chopped romaine, spring lettuce mix and baby spinach and set aside.
Power Up with Protein
The store is your best friend for this! Go to the deli counter and get roasted chicken — slice or shred it at home. Cooked ham that you dice up can be a quick fix as well. If you want to cook the tofu yourself, drain extra-firm tofu very well and pat dry. Then, cube it up and sauté it in a pan with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. Cook the bacon strips in the oven on a baking sheet. Lastly, hard boil some eggs for a quick protein-rich alternative to meat.
Variations of Veggies
No salad bar is complete without veggie toppings, and you’ll want lots of them! In small bowls, lay out the different sliced and chopped vegetables. This can be whatever you like, have on hand or find at the grocery store in season.
Cheese, please!
Set out some of your favorite cheeses. Some examples include crumbled feta, grated parm, shredded cheddar, cubed mozzarella and more.
Extra Toppings
Nuts or seeds are always a good idea. Sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts or dried fruit are all good options. Take advantage of what the store has to offer. Lastly, you can’t forget the croutons!
Dijon Vinaigrette
Place all of the ingredients into a mason jar and secure tightly with the lid. Shake until fully combined, it’s that simple!
Creamy Dijon Dressing
Whisk together the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and place near the end of your salad bar.
Ready, Set, Eat!
Have your guests go through and create their own salads!