Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Classic Southern Garden Salad (Fresh, Crisp & Simple!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Bowl of fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese on rustic wooden table. Vibrant and appetizing.

Simple, crisp, and full of color — this Classic Southern Garden Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. With fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s light enough for summer but fits right in at a Sunday dinner table.

Tossed in your favorite dressing or homemade vinaigrette, it’s the go-to salad that adds freshness to all your cozy comfort meals. Brighten up your meal with creamy coleslaw or apple pecan salad with maple dressing, or keep it simple with a classic Caesar salad.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

6 cups mixed greens (Romaine, iceberg, or spring mix)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Croutons for topping
Your favorite dressing (Ranch, Italian, or vinaigrette)

Instructions

In a large salad bowl, combine greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and onion.
Sprinkle with cheese and toss gently.
Just before serving, add croutons and drizzle with dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with Slow-Cooked Pork Roast or Southern Fried Chicken.
Serve alongside Lasagna or Italian Bread for a lighter touch to a hearty meal.

FAQ

What ingredients are typically in a Southern garden salad?

A classic Southern salad usually includes crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, shredded cheese, and crunchy croutons — simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

Can I add extra toppings?

Absolutely! Hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, shredded carrots, radishes, or diced ham are all popular Southern add-ins.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Use cold, dry lettuce and avoid adding dressing until right before serving. Keeping the ingredients chilled also helps maintain crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Southern Garden Salad isn’t just fresh and flavorful — it’s also perfect for meal prep. Chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers, keeping heartier veggies separate from delicate greens for maximum freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together and add dressing just before eating. It’s an easy, stress-free way to keep crisp, wholesome salads ready all week long.