Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite salad! The Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is a bright, fresh delight that captures all the wonderful flavors of the iconic restaurant right in your own kitchen. Every time I whip this up, it feels like I’m treating myself to a fancy night out, even if I’m just in my pajamas! The combination of crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the salty goodness of bacon bits and blue cheese makes each bite a burst of flavor. It’s so simple to prepare, yet feels so indulgent. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on bringing that restaurant experience home!
Ingredients for Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your own delicious Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to grab organic options if you can—every little bit helps elevate the flavor! And don’t worry if you want to swap out any of these ingredients; the salad is super versatile.
How to Prepare Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
Making the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is a breeze and will have you feeling like a culinary whiz in no time! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a fabulous salad ready to impress your taste buds (and anyone else lucky enough to join you!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. This crunchy base is the heart of the salad!
- Next, add in the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumbers. The colors are just gorgeous, and the freshness is unbeatable!
- Now, sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and bacon bits over the top. Oh, the flavor explosion that happens here is simply divine!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens, so mix it well!
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently. Make sure every piece gets coated in that deliciousness! Serve immediately for the best crunch.
And there you have it—your amazing Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad ready to be devoured! Enjoy the crunch, the flavors, and the joy of making something so delightful at home!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! The Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is not just delicious; it’s also packed with goodness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, isn’t it great to know you’re enjoying a salad that’s both satisfying and nutritious? Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Tips for Success with Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
To make your Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad truly shine, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy about adjusting the dressing to your taste—if you love a tangier flavor, add a splash more vinegar! If you want to bulk it up, throw in some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein; it’s a game-changer! Also, if you’re prepping ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that glorious crunch of the veggies. Trust me, a little planning goes a long way. And remember, the fresher the ingredients, the better the salad will taste! Enjoy your creation!
Variations of Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad! Try swapping in different veggies like bell peppers or radishes for an extra crunch. You might also experiment with dressings—balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty lemon dressing can really shake things up! Want to amp up the protein? Add some grilled steak or even chickpeas for a hearty twist. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh basil or parsley can bring a lovely fragrance and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients or add proteins to suit your taste—it’s your salad, your way!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy get-together, this salad fits right in and impresses!
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with nutrients while being filling, it’s a guilt-free choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and just add the dressing before serving for a quick, fresh meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is super easy! If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just place any uneaten salad in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember, don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to eat—this keeps everything crisp and fresh!
As for reheating, well, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need for that! Just take it out, give it a little toss to re-mix, and you’re good to go. If you’ve added grilled chicken or any other protein, you can gently warm that separately in a microwave or skillet and then toss it back in. Just be careful not to overheat, as the salad deserves to stay cool and refreshing! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
FAQ about Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that wonderful crunch. It’s a great time-saver for busy days!
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Feta cheese or goat cheese make fantastic substitutes, adding their own unique flavors while still keeping that creamy texture. Go with what you love!
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some sliced steak would be delicious additions. It’s a great way to turn this salad into a more filling meal. Just toss it in right before serving!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check that your bacon bits and any dressings you choose are gluten-free as well!
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply omit the bacon and cheese. You can replace the blue cheese with avocado for creaminess, and try using a vegan-friendly dressing. It’ll be just as vibrant and delicious!
Ruth’s Chris Chopped Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It Fresh
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and flavorful salad inspired by Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Ingredients
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, blue cheese, and bacon bits.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; just add dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Ruth's Chris Chopped Salad, salad recipe, chopped salad