When I order salad at a restaurant, I always get a tiny cheeky smile on my face. They may believe that I'm being health conscious, but the truth is that I'm obsessed with salads! 😉

The more add-ins, the bigger the salad. I can't get enough of that variety—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and salty—mmmm!

And to be honest, salads are not always healthy. Think about a salad topped with deep-fried chicken or dressed with a generous amount of creamy dressings.

Whenever I order a salad at a restaurant, I start to feel a little anxious. I'm quite picky about that; I want something truly amazing as well as healthy. This is the reason I like to make the salad at home and try to post a new salad recipe very often on the website, such as my Easy Louisiana Seafood Salad, Creole Bean Salad, the tastiest Creole Potato Salad, and this Big Country salad.

The "Big Country Salad" is typically made with a variety of ingredients (lettuce, herbs, veggies, protein, cheese, croutons, tortilla strips, nuts, or seeds, all tossed with some flavorful dressing like caesar, ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy vinaigrette), often influenced by Southern or traditional American cuisine.

The idea behind this Big Country salad was to prepare a salad that is not only filling but also packed with flavors and textures that remind the comfort and heartiness of country-style meals too.

• This salad is so delicious to be enjoyed at any time of year.

• It is very easy to make.

• It's also a good option to bring for a BBQ party, picnic, or potluck because it can be deconstructed in the bowl and then tossed just before serving.

• This salad is a great option for those who want a salad that’s filling enough to be a main course rather than just a side.

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe.

Serve one of these favorites:

• Marry Me Chicken

• Creole Beef Stew

• Jamaican Curry

• Baked Chicken

• Louisiana Red Beans And Rice 

Mix everything in a big bowl except the dressing and keep it in the refrigerator, securely covered with plastic wrap. Add dressing just before serving.

This big country salad, without dressing, will keep well for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

• The key to this Big Viral Salad is the lettuce mix. Do not omit any ingredient. If there is a lettuce or herb you do not like, please use less of it. But each one serves a purpose in bringing out the flavor of this salad.

• While mixing, use a large salad bowl because we know a fully brimming salad is messy and difficult to toss.

• In place of Peppered Turkey, you can use diced baked chicken.

Many countries are known for their delicious salads, each with a unique flavor. Nevertheless, the national food of Greece is Greek salad, sometimes called village salad or horiatiki. It consists of chunky cucumber slices, sliced red onions, and quartered tomatoes.

Salads can be turned into main courses if you're having a hectic day and want to have dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. Doing it during the summer is my go-to because I want to enjoy more time at the pool instead of rushing to prepare dinner. And, it is quite easy to turn your simple salad into a main dish.

You can add any of the following ingredients to make your salad more hearty and filling:

• Cubed boiled/grilled chicken

• Cubed Turkey

• Ground beef steak

• Cooked pasta

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Cheese

• Seafood of your choice

• Canned beans

• Additional Vegetables

Add some mustard, herbs, lime or lemon juice, and a little honey for sweetness. This makes your salad taste good from the very first bite to the very last. 

In my opinion, food truly transforms our lives beyond just being a means of sustenance. Consider the significance it holds for us as a society, as family and friends, and as a community.

You all probably have personal tales of feeding and teaching others how to cook in your home or getting a dinner invitation to someone's house. It always makes me happy to watch how other people amuse themselves with food.

Whatever your cooking or serving way, dining with others is undoubtedly the greatest way to enjoy life.

So, whether you like salads or want to add more greens to your diet, this Big Country salad recipe is a must-try. And do not hesitate to customize it by experimenting with additional veggies or dressing. After all, nothing beats a salad that you made with your own unique combination of ingredients and creativity. Enjoy it with your loved ones!