Healthy and Delicious Summer Salad Recipe
Introducing Betty’s Salad, a recipe created by Betty Timko and featured in menus across Toledo, Ohio. This regional Midwest salad is made with fresh ingredients and a dressing that packs a flavor punch. But what makes this salad so special?
It’s the combination of textures and flavors that come together to create a satisfying and memorable experience. From the crispy water chestnuts to the tender spinach leaves, every ingredient plays an important role. And let’s not forget about the hard-boiled eggs, a classic salad component that adds a protein boost and earthy richness.
But what truly sets Betty’s Salad apart is the salad dressing. Made with Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, catsup, salt, sugar, and other secret ingredients (that we’re about to reveal!), this creamy dressing is what dreams are made of. It’s tangy, sweet, savory, and umami all at once – a true flavor bomb that will elevate any salad it touches.
Whether you’re serving it alongside chicken or fish or enjoying it as a main course salad, Betty’s Salad is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your guests. So let’s go ahead and dive into the recipe and learn how to create this Midwest gem at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a salad that is both delicious and healthy? Look no further than Betty’s Salad Recipe! This Midwestern classic has been handed down through generations and is sure to impress your guests at your next party or gathering.
What sets Betty’s Salad Recipe apart from other salads is its unique combination of ingredients. The recipe includes water chestnuts, bean sprouts, and hard-boiled eggs, which add amazing textures to the dish. The fresh spinach and head lettuce offer crispness, while the creamy dressing with Worcestershire sauce and white vinegar provide the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Not only does Betty’s Salad Recipe taste great, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your specific tastes by swapping out some ingredients. For example, if you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more sugar or even substitute honey. Or if you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, try adding some minced onion and paprika.
Moreover, this salad is perfect for those who need to plan ahead for their gatherings. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days without losing any flavor or texture. You can also make the dressing a day ahead and just toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
Don’t just take my word for it though – this salad has been featured on menus in restaurants across the Midwest and has received rave reviews from diners on TripAdvisor. And with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, Betty’s Salad Recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels everywhere.
So why not mix things up at your next gathering by serving Betty’s Salad Recipe? Your guests will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make Betty’s Salad Recipe. Don’t worry; all of these ingredients are accessible and can be found in any supermarket. Some are even probably available in your kitchen already! Without further ado, here is what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 head lettuce, thinly sliced
- 6 ounces fresh spinach
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces fresh bean sprouts, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 1 (6 oz) package spinach bean sprouts,
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup catsup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste.
A total of sixteen ingredients will be needed for this recipe. Even though it may seem like a lot, most of these are just salads staples such as lettuce, spinach and eggs but combined with some extra and vibrant flavors. Be sure to get fresh produce for best results; it can make a significant difference on the outcome of your salad quality!
The Recipe How-To
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Wash and chop 6 ounces of spinach leaves, remove stems, and place into a salad bowl. Rinse 4 cups of mixed greens and add them to the salad bowl with the spinach. Open a can of chopped water chestnuts and another can of bean sprouts, drain and rinse them throughly. Add to the bowl.
2. Hard-boil the Eggs
Place 8 eggs in a pot of cold water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling for 1 minute, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 12 minutes then plunge eggs into ice water to stop cooking process. Peel and slice.
3. Cook the Bacon
On medium low heat, place 1lb bacon in a skillet (or bake bacon strips in an oven). Cook until crispy or desired doneness, remove from pan onto a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to cool off.
4. Make Betty Salad Dressing
In another bowl whisk together 2 cups katsup, 1 cup white vinegar, 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Slowly add 1 cup vegetable oil while whisking until dressing is fully emulsified.
5. Assemble the Salad
Arrange ingredients in layers in a large glass salad bowl or individual plates as follows:
Layer 1 – sliced hard-boiled eggs
Layer 2 – diced crispy bacon
Layer 3 – chopped spinach and mixed greens
Layer 4 – drained bean sprouts
Layer 5 – drained canned water chestnuts
Drizzle Betty salad dressing evenly over each layer.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish with any remaining chopped green onions and more dressing or condiments for some added flair. This Midwest classic salad is best when served immediately after assembly.
Enjoy your homemade Betty Salad that is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins A and C!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to creating a flavorful and unique salad, the possibilities are endless. While the Betty Salad recipe is already packed with delicious ingredients, there are still some substitutions and variations that can make it even more appealing.
One simple substitution that can be made is swapping out the water chestnuts for a can of sliced bamboo shoots. These thinly sliced vegetables add a nice crunch and mild flavor that complements the rest of the salad ingredients perfectly.
For those who prefer a little spice in their salads, try adding some sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mix. The heat from these ingredients pairs well with the tangy dressing and fresh bean sprouts, making for a mouth-watering meal.
If you’re looking to incorporate different protein sources into your salad, consider adding some chicken chunks or tofu cubes. These options provide a nice balance to the crispy veggies and boiled eggs, while also making this dish heartier and more filling.
Another variation worth trying is replacing the spinach with baby kale leaves or arugula. Both of these greens have a slightly peppery taste that makes for an interesting twist on Betty Salad’s regional Midwest flavors.
Finally, for those who are looking for a more indulgent option, try adding crumbled bacon bits or shaved Parmesan cheese to your salad bowl. These savory toppings are sure to please any bacon lover’s taste buds.
Overall, experimenting with substitutions and variations in this classic recipe can lead to discovering exciting new flavors and combinations that make Betty Salad even better. Remember, there is no wrong way to enjoy this regional Midwest favorite!
Serving and Pairing
This salad is a perfect side dish for a wide range of meals. As a regional Midwest salad, it adds refreshing greens and crunch to any spread. It’s great to serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger salad bar.
When pairing this dish, consider adding other favorites such as creamy potato salad or chicken salad. The Betty Salad can also be a standalone entrée. Add some sliced chicken or shrimp to make it heartier for an ever so satisfying lunch or dinner.
If you’re hosting a party or gathering at home, this salad is always a hit on the menu. Try serving it with different layers to create an eye-catching layered salad that will impress your guests.
To elevate the taste even further, try locally made dressings such as vinaigrettes or ranch-based options. You can also make the Betty Salad dressing recipe from scratch with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, sugar, catsup and more to achieve that authentic taste.
Whatever style you go for, this Betty Salad is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table with its fresh bean sprouts and hard-boiled eggs nestled cozily in a mix of spinach and head lettuce.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the perks of Betty’s Salad Recipe is that it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This feature makes it perfect for party-planning, as you don’t have to worry about being in a rush on the day of your celebration. Additionally, leftovers can easily be kept for another meal.
To make ahead, assemble the salad completely but hold off on dressing it. Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Before serving, remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before dressing.
Storing leftover dressed salad can make it wilt faster, but if you must refrigerate leftovers with dressing, make sure to store it in an airtight container. If your salad has not been dressed yet, store it in an airtight container or plastic bag.
When reheating this salad, the hard-boiled eggs may darken slightly however it won’t compromise its flavour. Instead of microwaving a whole bowl which may wilt the greens and veggies, we recommend pulling out individual portions for heating (minus the dressing). Simply microwave for 20-30 seconds depending on your preference.
Overall, Betty’s salad recipe is ideal if you plan on hosting big events or if you are preparing yourself for an easy dish that can be made ahead and stored without worrying about its taste fading over time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps for the Betty’s Salad recipe, let’s talk about a few tips and tricks for perfect results. These tips are based on my experiences and what has worked best for me when making this salad.
Firstly, I highly recommend using fresh ingredients for this salad. This means choosing ripe and crisp spinach, crunchy water chestnuts, and firm bean sprouts. It also means boiling your eggs just before you assemble the salad so they are still warm when added to the bowl.
Additionally, it’s important to not over mix the dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk them together just until they emulsify. If overmixed, the dressing can break apart and become oily.
When it comes time to layer the salad in the bowl, I find it helpful to start with a salad base of mixed greens instead of just spinach or lettuce. This adds complexity to the texture and flavor of the finished product.
To make sure each bite has a combination of ingredients, chop your veggies into roughly bite-size pieces. Large pieces are harder to eat and may not distribute evenly when combined.
Lastly, consider trying locally made ingredients when possible. They may add a unique twist that elevates the flavors in unexpected ways. For example, I’ve tried swapping out Worcestershire sauce with a locally made koren sauce for a different take on this classic salad.
By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure that your Betty’s Salad turns out as delicious as Betty Timko intended.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Betty’s Salad Recipe is the perfect addition to any gathering or meal. The blend of fresh greens, hearty vegetables, and tangy dressing makes this Midwest classic a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Whether you’re serving it at a Sunday Supper or bringing it to a potluck, Betty’s Salad Recipe is versatile and sure to impress. With substitutions and variations to suit any taste, there’s something for everyone in this recipe.
So why not try locally made ingredients, such as fresh bean sprouts and hard-boiled eggs sliced over the top? Or go for something new with the addition of water chestnuts and Worcestershire sauce. The possibilities are endless.
With tips for perfect results and make-ahead options, you can easily prepare this salad ahead of time and serve it when it suits you best. Plus, the salad stores well in the refrigerator so you can enjoy leftovers for days after.
So what are you waiting for? Make some Betty’s Salad today, and see why this classic regional dish has gained popularity across the country. I can guarantee that your guests will be asking for the recipe after just one taste.
Betty’s Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) package spinach
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 (6 ounce) can bean sprouts, drained
- 1 (6 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced (a second can is optional, depending on the recipe you follow )
- 1 lb fried bacon, crumbled
Salad Dressing
- 1 cup salad oil
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/3 cup catsup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small-to-medium onion
Instructions
- Layer salad ingredients in order listed below.
- Half (1/2) Package Spinach
- Six (6) Hard Boiled Eggs, sliced
- One (1) Can Bean Sprouts, drained
- 1-2 Cans Water Chestnuts, drained and sliced (optional, depending on the recipe you follow
- Add crumbled bacon.
- Mix dressing in blender and pour over salad.
- Keep all ingredients refrigerated.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!