Refreshing summer salad recipe for a healthier you

When it comes to hosting unforgettable dinner parties, nothing is more important than having a show-stopping salad on the table. And that’s where Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe comes in – this saucy salad is a family favorite that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Originating from the famous Rich Charlie Italian restaurant in St Louis, this hearty salad is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and satisfying flavors. With a base of crispy iceberg lettuce and crunchy romaine, along with flavorful ingredients like artichoke hearts, pimientos, and hearts of palm, this salad truly has it all.

But what really takes this recipe to the next level is the mouthwatering dressing: a combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and grated parmesan cheese. One bite of this tangy and delicious dressing, and you’ll understand why this salad is so beloved by everyone who tries it.

Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or simply looking for a delicious way to jazz up your weeknight meal routine, Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe is not one to skip. So gather your ingredients, sharpen your knives, and get ready to create a dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning of foodies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Charlie's Salad
Rich and Charlie’s Salad

First of all, let me tell you, this Rich and Charlie’s salad recipe is nothing short of amazing. I’m not just saying that – it really is that good. If you’re looking for a salad that’s packed with flavor, then look no further than this family favorite.

One reason you’ll love this recipe is because it combines a variety of different tastes and textures to create a saucy salad that will have your taste buds begging for more. From the crunch of the iceberg and romaine lettuce to the tanginess of the red wine vinegar and Italian dressing, there’s never a dull moment when it comes to this famous salad.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the addition of artichoke hearts, red onion, hearts of palm, and pimiento. These ingredients add depth and complexity to every bite, making each forkful burst with flavor. Not to mention the generous amount of grated parmesan cheese added on top – it’s the perfect finishing touch that ties everything together.

Another great thing about this salad is its versatility. It can be served as a standalone dish or as a refreshing side with your favorite entrée. Whether you’re cooking up a fancy meal for guests or just looking for something easy to throw together for lunch, this salad is perfect for any occasion.

Lastly, one thing I love about this recipe is its storied history in the St. Louis dining scene. Rich and Charlie’s Italian restaurant (which is now closed) first created this salad as one of their signature dishes. Now you have the opportunity to recreate that experience in your own home!

In summary, if you are searching for a salad recipe that will impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe. It’s got crunch, savory flavors, and cheesy goodness all in one!

Ingredient List

 A mouthwatering tower of greens and protein
A mouthwatering tower of greens and protein

Here’s what you need to make the Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe:

Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce, rinsed and dried, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, rinsed and dried, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 jar pimientos
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

This recipe’s ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets. Don’t skimp on anything since each element has a crucial part in blending flavors.

The Recipe How-To

 The perfect combination of textures and flavors
The perfect combination of textures and flavors

This Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe has been loved by many families for its freshness and flavors mixed together. Let me show you how you can easily recreate this at home:

Ingredients

You will need the following fresh ingredients:

  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin
  • 1 jar artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
  • 1 jar pimiento
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

For the dressing, prepare the following ingredients:

  • 10 ounces red wine vinegar
  • 10 ounces olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Rich & Charlie Italian Salad Dressing

Steps

  1. Rinse and dry the lettuce heads thoroughly. Tear them into bite-sized pieces by hand and put them into a large salad bowl.
  2. Add the sliced red onions on top of the greens.
  3. Drain the artichoke hearts and chop them into small pieces before adding them to the salad bowl.
  4. Drain the hearts of palm as well before chopping them to similarly sized pieces then add it to the bowl.
  5. Add one jar of pimento to give off a little smoky flavor.
  6. In a separate mixing bowl or container, add all dressing ingredients: 10 ounces of olive oil, 10 ounces of red wine vinegar, and a tablespoon of Rich & Charlie Italian Salad Dressing, whisk until emulsified and pour over your salad mixture.
  7. Add grated Parmesan cheese on top of everything, so each bite is bursting with nice cheesy flvor!
  8. Toss all ingredients together using salad utensils till they’re well-coated with the dressing.

And voilà! your Rich and Charlie’s Salad is now perfectly tossed and ready to devour in one mouth-watering bite after another!

Substitutions and Variations

 A colorful and wholesome dish to impress your guests
A colorful and wholesome dish to impress your guests

Are you feeling adventurous and want to give your Rich and Charlie’s Salad a personal twist? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ideas for ingredients substitutions and variations that will take this recipe to a whole new level:

– Mix up the greens: While our recipe calls for a mix of iceberg and romaine lettuce, you can use any greens of your choosing. Spinach, arugula, kale, or spring mix would be great alternatives.

– Add protein: This salad is an excellent side dish, but it can also be a complete meal with the addition of some protein. Try grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

– Experiment with cheese: Although we recommend parmesan cheese for this salad, you can try swiss, feta or gorgonzola for variety.

– Play around with the dressing: If you prefer something sweeter than our tangy red wine vinaigrette dressing, substitute it with a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette. You can even make your dressing by adding some herbs like basil or oregano.

– Add extra veggies: This salad is already packed with artichokes and hearts of palm. Still, you can add any other vegetable of your choice such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers or mushrooms.

Remember that this recipe is versatile so don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings and ingredients that catch your attention. It’s all about making your version of the Rich and Charlie’s salad that everyone will crave!

Serving and Pairing

 Slice, dice and stack your way to salad perfection
Slice, dice and stack your way to salad perfection

The Rich and Charlie’s salad recipe is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish or main course. When serving as a side dish, the salad perfectly complements grilled steak, chicken or fish dishes. The salad’s saucy texture perfectly balances the flavors of char-grilled meat.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, serve the salad with stuffed mushrooms or roasted portobello caps. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms will pair well with the dressing-rich charlie Italian salad.

For a lighter meal, add cooked chicken breast or grilled shrimp to the salad. The resulting dish will be both filling and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.

Overall, this family-favorite salad is perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion or gathering. Try it at your next dinner party and you’ll see how it pleases every palate and makes everyone enjoy their meal!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Get ready to fall in love with salad all over again
Get ready to fall in love with salad all over again

The beauty of this Rich and Charlie’s salad recipe is that you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to keep the salad dressing separate from the actual salad, so the lettuce won’t wilt under its weight.

To make things easier, you can even prep your ingredients a day or two ahead of time. Clean and chop the lettuce, slice the onions, and drain the hearts of palm and artichoke hearts. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers or plastic bags.

When storing the dressing, you can either keep it in a mason jar or an airtight container. Homemade dressing stays well in the fridge for up to a week, but if you’re using store-bought dressing, make sure to check the expiration date on the bottle.

As for reheating, this salad doesn’t need any reheating! Simply mix everything together with the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy it. The cold crispiness of the iceberg and romaine lettuce mixed with creamy pimiento, tangy red onion, and nutty parmesan cheese would make it a perfect refreshing salad.

And that’s it! Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a potluck party, Rich and Charlie’s Salad recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing. So feel free to get started whenever you have some spare time on your hands!

Tips for Perfect Results

 Who said salads can't be indulgent?
Who said salads can’t be indulgent?

One of the secrets to a perfect Rich and Charlie’s salad is to have the vegetables properly washed and dried. I usually wash the lettuce by submerging it in a bowl filled with cold water, then give it a good shake before patting it dry with paper towels. For an even crispier salad, you can rinse the lettuce with cold water and let it dry on a clean kitchen towel for about an hour.

Another tip is to make sure that the lettuce is chopped into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every bite has a balanced taste of all the ingredients, and also makes it easier to toss and serve the salad.

When adding the salad dressing, I recommend starting with half of the amount needed first. You can always add more later if needed, but adding too much dressing can overpower the natural flavors of the vegetables.

If you are making this salad ahead of time or plan on serving it at a party, I suggest keeping the dressing separate until right before serving. This will prevent the vegetables from getting soggy and preserve their crispness.

To add some extra crunch to your salad, try topping it with croutons or toasted nuts like sliced almonds or walnuts. They not only add texture but also complement the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese and red onion.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations! You can switch up the types of lettuce used or even add some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. The Rich and Charlie’s Salad recipe is versatile and perfect for customizing to your taste preferences.

By following these tips, you can easily master this saucy salad recipe and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Rich and Charlie’s Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone hosting a party or looking to impress their guests with a saucy salad that’s rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main entree, this family favorite salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

With its blend of greens, artichoke hearts, pimiento, red onion, and hearts of palm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and dressed in the famous Rich Charlie Italian Salad Dressing, this Italian-inspired salad is both refreshing and satisfying.

Follow the easy-to-follow recipe instructions and tips we’ve provided, experiment with substitutions and variations, and pair it with your favorite wine or cocktail. And don’t forget to share your successes on social media so others can try out this dining experience.

So go ahead and give Rich Charlie’s Salad Recipe a try today! Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

Rich and Charlie's Salad

Rich and Charlie’s Salad Recipe

This salad is from a popular Italian restaurant in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s very good!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins
Course Appetizer/Salad
Cuisine American
Calories 281.1 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 1 head romaine lettuce
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce
  • 1 (10 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and chopped
  • 1 (4 ounce) jar pimiento, diced and drained
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • salt and pepper
  • shaved deli hard salami (optional,but wonderful)

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Mix all salad ingredients together.
  • Mix dressing together.
  • Toss and serve.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 280gCalories: 281.1kcalCarbohydrates: 17.8gProtein: 8.3gFat: 21.3gSaturated Fat: 4.1gCholesterol: 7.3mgSodium: 421.8mgFiber: 9.1gSugar: 5.4g
Keyword < 15 Mins, Easy, Low Cholesterol, Low Protein, Lunch
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Recommended Recipes Just For You