Swensons salads feature fresh, crisp greens paired with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, shredded carrots, and your choice of grilled chicken or tender steak, all tossed in a zesty house-made dressing for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Salad spinner
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Grill pan or grill
- Meat thermometer
- Shredder or grater
- Salad serving bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Squeeze bottle or jar (for dressing)
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed fresh salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup house-made salad dressing (zesty vinaigrette or choice)
Ensure your greens are fresh and properly dried using a salad spinner to maintain crisp texture in your Swensons salad. Select high-quality, ripe cherry tomatoes and cucumbers to enhance flavor and freshness. When preparing the protein, use a meat thermometer to cook the chicken or steak to the perfect temperature, ensuring tenderness and safety. Accurately measure your house-made dressing ingredients to achieve the signature zesty vinaigrette taste. Your Swensons copycat salad delivers a vibrant, satisfying meal inspired by their fresh and flavorful menu offerings.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and dry the salad greens using a salad spinner.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half.
- Slice cucumbers.
- Peel and shred carrots with a vegetable peeler or grater.
- Preheat grill pan or grill.
- Brush chicken breast or steak with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken or steak until cooked through (use meat thermometer for doneness).
- Rest the meat for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots.
- Add grilled chicken or steak strips to the salad.
- Drizzle house-made salad dressing over the top.
- Toss salad gently with tongs to combine.
- Transfer salad to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately with serving utensils.
Substitution
Salads from Swensons' copycat menu showcase a blend of fresh greens, vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and shredded carrots, complemented by your choice of grilled chicken or steak and tossed in a zesty house-made dressing. When preparing the greens, use a salad spinner to ensure they are thoroughly dried for better dressing adherence. If fresh cherry tomatoes are unavailable, grape tomatoes or halved baby heirlooms can be ideal alternatives. Your protein can be substituted with grilled tofu or seared shrimp for a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish's hearty satisfaction. Use a meat thermometer to cook chicken or steak to the recommended internal temperatures for safe and optimal taste.
Tips
Wash and thoroughly dry your salad greens in a salad spinner to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken or steak reaches a safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for chicken and 145degF (63degC) for steak to guarantee proper doneness. Allow your grilled meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and enhance flavor. Toss the salad gently with tongs after drizzling the dressing to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the greens.
Nutritions
Swensons salads provide a nutritious combination of fresh vegetables and lean protein, offering a balanced mix of vitamins, fiber, and essential amino acids. The fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots contribute antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber to support digestive health. Grilled chicken or steak adds high-quality protein with minimal saturated fat, helping maintain muscle mass and promote satiety. Your choice of house-made dressing, typically olive oil-based, provides healthy monounsaturated fats, enhancing nutrient absorption while keeping calorie content moderate.
Storage
Store each ingredient separately to maintain freshness; keep salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded carrots refrigerated in airtight containers. Store grilled chicken or steak slices in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Your house-made dressing should be kept in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator and added just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap grilled chicken or steak for seared shrimp or tofu cubes to introduce a different protein profile that complements the fresh vegetables. Experiment with roasted beets or avocado slices as alternatives to shredded carrots for a creamier texture and earthy flavor. Use a citrus-based dressing like lemon-tahini or orange-ginger vinaigrette to replace the house-made zesty vinaigrette, enhancing brightness and tang. You can also toast nuts or seeds to sprinkle on top, adding a crunchy contrast and boosting nutritional value.
Allergies
Swensons salads contain common allergens such as olive oil and possibly ingredients in the house-made dressing, which may include mustard or vinegar derivatives. Protein options like grilled chicken and steak are generally safe but could cause allergies in rare cases related to meat sensitivity. Your health should be prioritized by checking all dressing components and proteins for potential allergens before consuming.
Why this recipe?
Swensons restaurant salads are popular for their fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and unique dressings that create a satisfying and healthy dining option. The salads often feature a perfect balance of crisp vegetables, protein-packed toppings, and house-made dressings that enhance the overall taste experience. You can recreate these salads at home to enjoy the same taste while controlling ingredient quality and customizing to dietary preferences. Making a copycat version is worth trying for both the deliciousness and the opportunity to enjoy a restaurant favorite in your own kitchen.