We absolutely love diving into classic recipes like Rich & Charlie’s Salad, a timeless favorite that combines crisp greens with bold flavors for a refreshing twist on everyday meals. It’s the perfect blend of fresh veggies and zesty dressings that keeps us coming back for more.
In our kitchen, we’ve simplified this beloved dish so you can whip it up at home with ease. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quick lunch, it’s a recipe that adds a touch of elegance to your table.
Ingredients
In our exploration of the Rich & Charlie’s Salad recipe, we focus on the fresh, vibrant ingredients that bring its crisp greens and bold flavors to life. These components are selected for their quality and ease of preparation, ensuring you can recreate this classic salad at home with confidence.
We organize the ingredients in the order they are typically used, from base elements to toppings and dressings. For accuracy, we’ve included specific measurements and any necessary prep notes.
- Base Greens: 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped into bite-sized pieces (this forms the crisp foundation of our salad).
- Fresh Vegetables: 2 medium tomatoes, diced (choose ripe, firm ones for the best texture and flavor).
- Crunchy Add-Ins: 1 cucumber, sliced thinly (adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness).
- Aromatic Elements: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (provides a sharp, pungent contrast; soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder taste).
- Protein Boost: 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese (opt for high-quality feta for its tangy creaminess that elevates the dish).
- Nuts for Texture: ½ cup of toasted walnuts, roughly chopped (toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch).
- Dressing Components: 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste (whisk these together for a homemade vinaigrette that ties everything together).
| Ingredient | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | 8 Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romaine lettuce (heads) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Tomatoes (medium) | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Cucumber (medium) | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Red onion (small) | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Feta cheese (ounces) | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Walnuts (cup) | 0.5 | 0.75 | 1 |
Instructions
We love how simple it is to transform fresh ingredients into the vibrant Rich & Charlie’s Salad, a dish that brings bold flavors and crisp textures to your table with minimal effort.
Prepare the Ingredients
In this step, we focus on prepping our key components—romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts—to ensure everything is fresh and ready for assembly.
- Wash and dry the greens: Start by rinsing 1 head of romaine lettuce under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry with a clean towel or salad spinner. Tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for that satisfying crisp bite.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice 2 medium tomatoes into ½-inch cubes to release their juicy sweetness. Slice 1 cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons, and thinly slice ½ red onion into rings for a sharp, tangy contrast.
- Prepare the cheese and nuts: Crumble ½ cup of feta cheese into small pieces to distribute its creamy tang evenly. For the walnuts, toast ½ cup in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. This homemade dressing adds a zesty punch that elevates the salad’s overall flavor profile.
Assemble the Salad
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we combine them to create the layered, refreshing masterpiece of Rich & Charlie’s Salad.
- Build the base: In a large salad bowl, add the prepared romaine lettuce as the foundation, followed by the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for a colorful, crunchy mix.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted walnuts over the vegetables to introduce creamy and nutty elements that enhance the salad’s texture and taste.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the salad, starting with about half the mixture, then gently toss everything together with tongs or salad servers until evenly coated. Taste and add more dressing as needed for that perfect balance of flavors.
- Serve immediately: Divide the salad into portions for 4 servings, allowing the crisp greens and bold vinaigrette to shine in every bite for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing result.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Rich & Charlie’s Salad recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare components in advance to keep flavors fresh and make assembly a breeze. This approach ensures the salad’s crisp greens and bold vinaigrette shine without last-minute rushes. Below, we outline the key steps for making ahead, focusing on elements that hold up well while maintaining the dish’s vibrant appeal.
Preparing the Greens and Vegetables
To preserve the crunch of Rich & Charlie’s Salad, we recommend prepping the greens and veggies up to 24 hours in advance:
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce: Rinse 1 head of romaine under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and store in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Chop tomatoes and cucumber: Dice 2 medium tomatoes and 1 cucumber into bite-sized pieces, then place in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess.
- Slice red onion: Thinly slice 1 small red onion and submerge in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness, then drain and store in a covered bowl.
Toasting and Storing Nuts
For that nutty crunch that elevates our salad, we can toast walnuts ahead of time:
- Toast ½ cup of walnuts: Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden, then cool completely and transfer to an airtight jar. This step can be done up to 3 days ahead, as the nuts retain their texture and flavor.
Making the Vinaigrette
The homemade vinaigrette is a star of Rich & Charlie’s Salad, and we can whip it up in advance for effortless dressing:
- Combine ingredients: In a jar, mix ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Shake well and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and shake again to emulsify—the tangy notes will enhance the salad’s bold flavors without separating.
Assembly Tips for Optimal Freshness
While we can prepare the above elements ahead, always assemble the full salad just before serving to avoid wilting. For instance, if planning for a gathering, layer the prepped greens, vegetables, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, and toasted walnuts in a large bowl, then add the vinaigrette and toss. This method keeps the salad’s refreshing, crisp texture intact, making it ideal for quick lunches or events.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens and Vegetables | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Keeps crisp; avoid overcrowding |
| Toasted Walnuts | Up to 3 days | Airtight jar at room temperature | Maintains crunch; reseal after use |
| Vinaigrette | Up to 5 days | Sealed jar in fridge | Shake before use for best flavor |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this timeless Rich & Charlie’s Salad recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring fresh flavors to your table. It’s perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, helping us create memorable moments with every bite. We’re confident you’ll find it easy to adapt and make your own, so give it a try and elevate your salads today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich & Charlie’s Salad?
Rich & Charlie’s Salad is a classic dish featuring crisp greens and bold flavors, perfect for meals or gatherings. It combines fresh ingredients like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts, topped with a homemade vinaigrette. This simplified recipe makes it easy to prepare at home for a refreshing, elegant option.
What ingredients are needed for Rich & Charlie’s Salad?
The key ingredients include romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts. For the vinaigrette, you’ll need olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Use fresh, high-quality items for the best taste, with measurements adjusted for serving sizes to ensure a vibrant, balanced salad.
How do I make the vinaigrette for the salad?
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and your choice of seasonings like salt and pepper. This simple homemade dressing takes just minutes and enhances the salad’s flavors. Store it in the fridge for up to a few days to keep it fresh and ready for use.
What are the steps to prepare Rich & Charlie’s Salad?
Start by washing and drying the greens, then chop vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Prepare feta cheese and toast walnuts for crunch. Make the vinaigrette separately. Layer ingredients in a bowl, add dressing, and toss gently. This step-by-step process serves four and takes little time for a crisp, delicious result.
Can I make Rich & Charlie’s Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep components in advance. Wash and chop greens and vegetables, toast walnuts, and make the vinaigrette up to a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge to maintain freshness. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep textures crisp and prevent sogginess, making it ideal for busy schedules or events.
How many people does the recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve four people, with specific measurements for ingredients to ensure balanced portions. You can easily scale it up or down for larger gatherings or smaller meals, focusing on fresh ingredients and the homemade vinaigrette for a crowd-pleasing dish every time.