The Posh Ploughmans Salad
- Recipe Introduction
- What Makes This Salad So Jolly Good?
- Ingredients for a Top-Notch Salad
- Putting It All Together
- Gear Up for Greatness: Ingredients and Equipment
- The Posh Ploughman's Prep: Mise en Place Magic
- Step-By-Step: Building Your British Salads Masterpiece
- Pro Tips for an Epic Easy Salad Recipe
- Recipe Notes: Your Posh Ploughman's Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a salad that's actually exciting? This Ploughman's Salad isn't just rabbit food! It's packed with flavour. Think sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and a honey mustard dressing that'll make you say "Oh my gosh!".
Brief Overview
The Ploughman's Salad is a British classic. It’s a step up from your average lunch salad ideas . This recipe is easy, taking only around 25 minutes.
It yields two generous servings, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
The cheddar in this salad provides a good hit of calcium. It's a perfect summer salads option for a light but filling lunch.
What makes this recipe special? It's a gourmet salad recipes disguised as comfort food.
Okay, right then , let's dive into the recipe!
What Makes This Salad So Jolly Good?
Honestly, I used to think salads were boring. But this Cheddar Cheese Salad changed my mind. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and tangy.
The apple salad recipe element brings a refreshing crunch, you know?
Ingredients for a Top-Notch Salad
You'll need some good quality cheddar, a crisp Granny Smith apple, and some pickled onion salad . The key , though, is the honey mustard dressing .
It brings everything together like a charm. Easy salad recipes don't get much better than this.
Putting It All Together
Let's get this salad extravaganza sorted! I remember the first time I made this salad. I totally forgot the Branston pickle. Don't be like me! It adds a really important sweetness.
Okay, right then, let's get this salad extravaganza sorted! Honestly, a great salad isn't just rabbit food. It can be a real star.
Let's dive into what you need for this Posh Ploughman's Salad .
Gear Up for Greatness: Ingredients and Equipment
Main Ingredients: Building Blocks of Flavour
First up, the good stuff! I've weighed out exactly what you need. Trust me, it makes a difference! For the croutons , Okay, these are optional, but they add a great crunch.
You'll need 2 slices of crusty bread (about 2 cups), cubed. Stale is honestly better, you know? Plus 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 ml) , 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and some salt and pepper.
Now, for the salad itself, you want 4 cups of mixed greens (around 115g ). I love rocket or spinach, but go wild! Then, 4 oz (115g) of proper mature Cheddar Cheese Salad , cubed.
It has to be a good sharp one, alright? Followed by 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cubed for that slight acidity that creates a lovely contrast with the cheddar.
Don't forget 1/2 cup (75g) pickled onions, drained. Little silverskin ones are perfect. Lastly, 1/4 cup (60g) of Branston pickle or other chutney, chopped.
It adds that sweet and tangy zing. Oh, and 2 hard boiled eggs , quartered.
Finally, the Honey Mustard Dressing . Mix 3 tablespoons olive oil (45 ml) , 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml) , 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 ml) , 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml) , 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Taste and adjust!
Seasoning Notes: A Symphony of Spice
Essential spice combos? Keep it simple! Salt and pepper are your friends. But that garlic powder in the croutons? It's chef's kiss .
The honey mustard dressing is all about balance. Sweet, tangy, and a little bit sharp.
Quick subs? Don't have Dijon? Use English mustard. The Apple Salad Recipe can be made spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.
Feeling adventurous? Try a dash of smoked paprika.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets! Just a large salad bowl, a small bowl for the dressing, and a whisk. A baking sheet if you're making the croutons.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork works just fine. Honestly, don't overthink it. Use what you've got. These easy salad recipes will become one of your go-to lunch salad ideas!
Okay, right then, let's get this salad extravaganza sorted ! We're diving into the delectable world of salads, particularly, how to assemble a cracking Ploughman's Salad .
Honestly, it's easier than making beans on toast. Think of this not just as a lunch salad idea , but as a proper, satisfying meal!
The Posh Ploughman's Prep: Mise en Place Magic
Before we get our hands dirty, a little prep goes a long way. This is the essential "mise en place", fancy talk for getting everything ready.
Get your cheddar cheese salad ingredients out. Cube the cheese, chop the apple salad recipe , and drain those pickled onion salad gems.
Measure out your dressing ingredients. It's like getting your ducks in a row before a Sunday roast, you know?
step-by-step: Building Your British Salads Masterpiece
- Crouton Time (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Toss cubed bread, oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 5- 7 minutes until golden.
- Whisk the Magic: Combine your honey mustard dressing ingredients. Give it a good whisk. Taste and adjust!
- Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, mix your greens , cheddar, apple, pickled onions, and Branston pickle.
- Dressing Time: Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat everything.
- Finishing Touches: Top with hard boiled egg quarters and those crispy croutons.
Pro Tips for an Epic Easy Salad Recipe
One key thing to remember when making a good Ploughman's salad , use a high-quality cheddar! I can't stress this enough! Secondly, chilling the dressing for 30 minutes before serving makes it even tastier.
And for a bit of extra crunch, toast some walnuts or pecans to sprinkle on top. Honestly, these little touches elevate it to gourmet salad recipes status! Don't dress the salad until just before serving to avoid soggy leaves.
The salad ingredients can be prepped ahead.
This is a great summer salads recipe but can be enjoyed all year round with a good honey mustard dressing .
Recipe Notes: Your Posh Ploughman's Guide
Okay, right then , let's get into the nitty gritty. This isn’t just chucking some leaves in a bowl. It's about building flavour, friends! Like a proper British Salad , you know? It's about bringing all of the elements together.
Presenting Your Salad: A Feast for the Eyes
Honestly, presentation matters. Think about it: nobody wants a lunch salad that looks like it's been through a washing machine.
Layer your greens nicely. Arrange the cheese, apple salad recipe pieces, and egg quarters artfully. A little drizzle of extra dressing never hurts.
If you're feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. A gourmet salad deserves a gourmet presentation!
Why not serve this next to a Cheddar Cheese Salad , to see which one is the best in your family?
Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries. Keep the dressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge. But, honestly, it's best eaten fresh.
Undressed greens and other components can be stored separately for a day or two.
Don’t even think about freezing this bad boy. It's just not going to work. No one wants soggy cheese or apples. For reheating instructions, it would be best not to.
Mix It Up: Variations That Work
Fancy a change? You got it! This Easy Salad Recipes can be adapted.
Want it veggie? Just check that your cheddar is veggie friendly!
Want it a bit spicy? Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the honey mustard dressing . Or, stir in a dash of sriracha.
Don’t want apple? You can also substitute it for something like peach for these Summer Salads .
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
This salad isn't just tasty, it's pretty good for you too. You're getting a good dose of protein from the cheese and eggs.
Healthy fats from the olive oil. And, vitamins and fibre from the greens and apple.
The Pickled Onion Salad is low in calories, and perfect for anyone trying to eat healthily. This Ploughman's Salad contains a good dose of calcium.
So there you have it! My tips to make the most of this recipe. Okay , now, go forth and create! I'm sure you will make a delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these salads ahead of time, or will it get soggy?
You can certainly prep the individual components of this "Posh Ploughman's Salad" ahead of time, like a savvy contestant on "The Great British Bake Off". Chop your veggies, cube your cheese, and make the dressing, but store everything separately in the fridge.
Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting and becoming a soggy bottom situation!
What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for the salads?
No worries, mate! Substituting ingredients is a piece of cake. If you're missing Branston pickle, try another chutney like onion or apple. Red onion soaked in ice water can replace pickled onions, and any crisp apple works instead of Granny Smith. For cheese you can even substitute cheese curds.
Get creative and use what you have; remember, cooking is about having a laugh and making it your own!
How long will this salad last in the fridge? I don't want to waste any of this goodness!
Once dressed, this salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers or have prepared the undressed components separately, they should keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Just remember, dressed salads tend to get a bit sad and wilted overnight, like that forgotten lettuce at the back of your fridge.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any ways to make this Posh Ploughman's salads a bit lighter?
Absolutely! You can lighten things up by using a lighter vinaigrette with less honey, or even Greek yogurt instead of some of the olive oil in the dressing. Swap some of the cheddar for a lower fat cheese or use less of it overall. You could add more greens to bulk it up with nutrients without adding many calories.
Remember, it's all about balance!
Can I add protein to these salads to make it a more substantial meal?
Definitely! Adding more protein is a cracking idea! Besides the eggs you can add in some grilled chicken or fish, roasted chickpeas, or even some lentils. All good options. This Posh Ploughman's Salad is a great base for a hearty and healthy meal, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
The Posh Ploughmans Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Fiber | 5g |
