I still remember the first time I tasted the Suddenly Salad at my favorite local spot. The burst of fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients instantly made it my go-to choice for a healthy meal. But eating out every day isn’t always feasible, so I decided to bring this delicious salad into my own kitchen.
Creating a copycat recipe was easier than I thought, and the results are just as amazing. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to enjoy this vibrant mix of greens, crunchy toppings, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together perfectly. It’s ideal for meal prepping or a quick, nutritious lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Mixed Greens
- 2 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups arugula, washed and dried
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Protein
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Crunchy Toppings
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup croutons, homemade or store-bought
- Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Extras
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- Base
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tools And Equipment
Creating the perfect Suddenly Salad at home requires some essential tools and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this vibrant and delicious salad:
Salad Bowl
A large, sturdy salad bowl is essential for mixing all your fresh ingredients without spilling. I prefer a glass or stainless steel bowl for its durability and easy cleaning.
Chef’s Knife
A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red bell peppers effortless. Investing in a quality knife ensures precision and safety in the kitchen.
Cutting Board
A spacious cutting board provides a stable surface for all your chopping and slicing needs. I like using a wooden or bamboo cutting board for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key to balancing the flavors in your dressing. Make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons to get the proportions just right.
Grill or Grill Pan
For perfectly grilled chicken, a grill or grill pan is necessary. This tool imparts that smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks that elevate your salad’s protein component.
Mixing Utensils
Tongs or large salad spoons are perfect for tossing the salad ingredients together. They help you mix everything evenly without bruising the greens.
Whisk or Fork
A whisk or fork is essential for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly. This ensures that your dressing is well-incorporated and free of lumps.
Oven (Optional)
If you prefer homemade croutons, an oven is needed to toast the bread to crispy perfection. Otherwise, store-bought croutons work just as well.
Storage Containers
For meal prepping, having airtight storage containers keeps your salad fresh throughout the week. I recommend glass containers with compartments to keep ingredients separate until you’re ready to serve.
Salad Spinner
A salad spinner quickly dries your greens after washing, preventing your salad from becoming soggy. This step is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture of the mixed greens.
Having these tools and equipment on hand will make preparing your Suddenly Salad copycat recipe a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and flavorful meal any time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing the Suddenly Salad ahead of time makes weekday meals a breeze. Here’s how I ensure every component stays fresh and delicious:
1. Grill the Chicken
I start by marinating and grilling the chicken in advance.
Marinade Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Prepare the Vegetables and Toppings
Chopping vegetables and prepping toppings in advance saves time during assembly.
Vegetables:
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Toppings:
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup croutons
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Steps:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
- Store the chopped vegetables in separate airtight containers.
- Portion out the almonds, croutons, feta cheese, and cranberries into small containers or zip-top bags.
- Keep all toppings refrigerated until ready to use.
3. Make the Dressing Ahead
Preparing the dressing in advance enhances the flavors and saves time.
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Shake vigorously until well emulsified.
- Store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to one week.
4. Assemble the Salad
When it’s time to enjoy your Suddenly Salad, assembling is quick and easy.
- Steps:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
- Sprinkle the almonds, croutons, feta cheese, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients and serve immediately.
Storage Guide
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Airtight container, refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Chopped Vegetables | Separate airtight containers | Up to 4 days |
| Toppings | Small containers or zip-top bags | Up to 1 week |
| Dressing | Jar with lid, refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Assembled Salad | Not recommended to store assembled | – |
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy a fresh and vibrant Suddenly Salad anytime without the hassle of daily preparation.
Directions
Creating the Suddenly Salad at home is simple when you follow these steps. Here’s how I break it down into prep, assemble, and serve.
Prep
- Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine lettuce).
- Slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes in halves.
- Dice 1 cucumber and 1 red bell pepper.
- Prepare the Crunchy Toppings
- Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Measure out 1/2 cup croutons.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Store the dressing in an airtight container until ready to use.
Assemble
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds, croutons, feta cheese, and dried cranberries evenly over the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire salad.
Serve
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Divide the salad into individual serving bowls or plates.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Tips And Tricks
As a chef who loves mastering and recreating favorite dishes, I’ve gathered some essential tips to elevate your Suddenly Salad experience. These insights ensure your salad is not only delicious but also fresh and visually appealing every time you prepare it.
Choose Fresh Ingredients
Selecting the freshest ingredients is crucial for a vibrant and flavorful salad. Opt for crisp baby spinach, peppery arugula, and crunchy romaine lettuce. Inspect your vegetables for firmness and vibrant colors to guarantee maximum freshness.
Perfect Your Grilled Chicken
Grilling the chicken to perfection adds a smoky depth to the salad. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance its flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
Enhance Crunchiness
To achieve that satisfying crunch, toast your sliced almonds and croutons lightly. This not only intensifies their flavor but also prevents them from becoming soggy when mixed with the dressing. Store them separately until ready to serve for maximum crunch.
Balance the Dressing
A well-balanced dressing ties all the flavors together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter touch, increase the honey slightly. Remember to whisk thoroughly to emulsify the dressing, ensuring it coats the salad evenly.
Optimize Make-Ahead Preparation
Preparing components in advance can save time without compromising quality. Grill the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Pre-cut your vegetables and keep them fresh by storing them in separate containers. Make the dressing ahead of time and let the flavors meld overnight for an even more robust taste.
Assemble Just Before Serving
To maintain the salad’s freshness, assemble it just before serving. Keep the greens, toppings, and dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy. This prevents the greens from wilting and the toppings from losing their crunch.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to personalize your Suddenly Salad by adding your favorite ingredients. Swap out grilled chicken for grilled tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. Incorporate seasonal vegetables or experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese to suit your preferences.
Presentation Matters
A visually appealing salad enhances the dining experience. Layer ingredients thoughtfully, placing colorful vegetables and toppings strategically to create an inviting presentation. Use a large, clear salad bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of your ingredients.
Storage Tips
If you’re meal prepping, store the components separately to maintain their integrity. Here’s a simple storage guide:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Airtight container in the refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Vegetables | Airtight containers or zip-top bags | Up to 4 days |
| Toppings | Separate containers to prevent sogginess | Up to 1 week (croutons and almonds) |
| Dressing | Sealed bottle or jar | Up to 1 week |
Conclusion
Making the Suddenly Salad at home has been such a rewarding experience It’s amazing how simple ingredients come together to create something fresh and tasty I love how easy it is to customize the recipe to fit my mood or what’s in the fridge Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or grabbing a quick lunch this salad never disappoints I hope you’ll enjoy preparing and savoring it as much as I do It’s a great way to bring a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table without any hassle
