Best 3 Garbage Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary adventure with our "Garbage Salad" extravaganza! This misnomer of a dish is a delightful symphony of flavors, featuring a vibrant medley of vegetables, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing. The "Garbage Salad" moniker belies its true essence, as it's a delightful and nutritious meal that's easy on the pocketbook. Our collection of "Garbage Salad" recipes caters to diverse dietary preferences, with options for vegan, vegetarian, and meat-lovers alike. Get ready to transform your perception of "garbage" and embrace the delicious possibilities that await!

From the classic combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado to the more adventurous kale, Brussels sprouts, and roasted sweet potatoes, our "Garbage Salad" recipes offer a spectrum of flavors and textures. With options for grilled chicken, roasted tofu, or tangy feta cheese, these salads are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing, our recipes provide a range of dressings to complement your salad creation. Join us on this culinary adventure and discover the hidden treasure trove of flavors that lie within the realm of "Garbage Salad"!

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

GARBAGE SALAD WITH SWEET ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE

Garbage Salad with Sweet Italian Vinaigrette image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

4 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
3 to 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves chopped
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 clove garlic, grated on a rasp grater
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into bite-size pieces (about 6 cups)
1 small head romaine, cut into bite-size pieces (about 8 cups)
1/4 head red cabbage, cut into small dice
6 to 8 cremini mushrooms, cut into small dice
2 carrots, peeled and cut into small dice
2 small Roma tomatoes, cut into small dice
4 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese (about 1/2 cup)

Steps:

For the pancetta: Heat a medium skillet over low-medium heat and add the pancetta in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate in a single layer until ready to top.
For the sweet Italian vinaigrette: Put the parsley and thyme in a medium bowl and add the vinegar. Let stand for a few minutes, then whisk in some salt and pepper. Whisk in the garlic, oregano, mustard and honey. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil and whisk until combined.
For the salad: Place the iceberg and romaine in a large bowl. Top with the red cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, Gorgonzola and pancetta. Before serving, pour in a healthy amount of dressing and mix well. Top with black pepper if desired.

GARBAGE SALAD AND CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE

Garbage Salad and Champagne Vinaigrette image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories main-dish

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 clove garlic, grated
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
Kosher salt and pepper
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into bite-size pieces (about 6 cups)
1/2 head romaine, cut into bite-size pieces (about 8 cups)
8 white button mushrooms, rough chopped
2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 stalk celery, peeled and thinly sliced
4 ounces blue cheese crumbles (1/2 cup)
4 ounces deli sliced turkey breast, roughly chopped
2 to 4 anchovies packed in oil, whole
Pepperoncini, to garnish
Anything else that looks tasty in the fridge: throw it in!

Steps:

For the vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, parsley, mustard, oregano, thyme and garlic. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and you're ready to rock.
For the salad: Toss together the iceberg, romaine, mushrooms, carrots, celery, cheese and turkey in a large bowl, and place in the refrigerator until ready. Before serving, put a healthy amount of dressing, mix well and top with the anchovies and pepperoncini...you just cleaned your fridge!

"TRASH BAG" TACO SALAD

I use this recipe for church functions and patio parties and assign each guest an ingredient. This simple and economical crowd-pleaser makes cleanup a breeze.-Margie Dodd, Choctaw, Oklahoma

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 40-50 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 pounds ground beef
3 envelopes taco seasoning
3 heads lettuce, shredded
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups chopped onion
3 cans (4-1/4 ounces each) chopped or sliced ripe olives, drained
2 cans (15 ounces each) Ranch Style beans (pinto beans in seasoned tomato sauce)
1 package (16 ounces) corn chips
1 bottle (16 ounces) Catalina salad dressing
1 jar (12 ounces) salsa

Steps:

Brown beef; drain. Add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Cool. Toss with remaining ingredients in an extra-large resealable plastic bag or large container.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of your garbage salad. Use fresh, ripe vegetables and fruits, and choose flavorful cheeses and meats.
Don't be afraid to experiment: There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to garbage salad. Feel free to add or omit ingredients to suit your own taste. You can also use different types of dressings and toppings to create different flavor combinations.
Make it a meal: Garbage salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner. Add some grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
Make it ahead of time: Garbage salad is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Garbage salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and it is also a very budget-friendly meal. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give garbage salad a try. You won't be disappointed!