The green jacket salad is a fresh and flavorful salad based in romaine and iceberg lettuce. It is a popular staple during spring and golf in Augusta, Georgia. Try it with the Gluten Free Sourdough Bread on the side.
The Green Jacket Salad is a beloved culinary tradition synonymous with the prestigious golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Comprising crisp Romaine and iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and seasoned with a flavorful blend of seasoned salt, pita oil, and vinegar, this iconic salad captures the essence of springtime indulgence and is a favorite among patrons and players alike during the tournament week.
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The Green Jacket Salad: A Springtime Tradition at Augusta, Georgia
As the vibrant colors of spring burst forth and flowers bloom in abundance, there’s an air of excitement in Augusta, Georgia. Springtime not only marks the awakening of nature but also heralds the arrival of one of the most prestigious events in the world of golf—the Masters Tournament. It is said to be a “tradition like no other”.
For golf enthusiasts and aficionados alike, the Masters Tournament is a revered tradition, steeped in history and prestige. Held annually at the Augusta National Golf Club, this iconic event draws spectators and players from around the globe to compete for the coveted green jacket—the symbol of golfing excellence and mastery.
Another Tradition: The Green Jacket Salad
But amidst the thrills of birdies and eagles, there’s another tradition that takes center stage—the Green Jacket Salad. As players tee off and spectators line the fairways, this refreshing and vibrant salad serves as a culinary ode to the spirit of spring and the camaraderie of the tournament.
Inspiration Behind The Green Jacket Salad
The origins of the Green Jacket Salad are intertwined with the rich tapestry of Augusta’s culinary heritage. Inspired by the lush greenery of the Augusta National Golf Club and the vibrant hues of the azaleas that adorn its grounds, this salad captures the essence of the season in every bite.
Traditionally Serving The Green Jacket Salad
Traditionally served at the tournament’s renowned hospitality suites and social gatherings, the Green Jacket Salad has become a beloved staple among patrons and players alike. Its crisp greens, tangy dressing, and flavorful toppings provide a refreshing respite from the heat of competition, offering a moment of culinary delight amidst the excitement of the tournament.
Suggestions for serving:
- Family meal during Golf Week or at the nudge of Spring.
- During a meal with guests for the big tournament.
- As a restaurant staple for the big week.
- Colorful appetizer.
- Delicious side dish.
- Full dinner when topped with chicken!
An Iconic Salad that Embodies The Spirit of Augusta
As players navigate the undulating greens and patrons cheer from the galleries, the Green Jacket Salad remains a constant presence—a symbol of tradition, camaraderie, and the shared love of golf. Whether enjoyed by players refueling between rounds or patrons savoring the sights and sounds of the tournament, this iconic salad embodies the spirit of spring and the timeless allure of Augusta, Georgia.
The Green Jacket Salad: A Crisp and Zesty Delight
Choosing High-Quality Ingredients:
The key to a remarkable Green Jacket Salad lies in the quality of its ingredients.
- Opt for organic crisp and vibrant greens such as Romaine hearts and iceberg lettuce.
- Look for Roma tomatoes that are plump and ripe, with a rich red color. I usually consider organic a must when it comes to tomatoes.
- Try to make sure your green onions are crisp!
- For the seasoned salt, consider using high-quality spices to elevate the flavor profile of the dressing. However, you can choose to use Lawry’s seasoned salt.
Ingredients
The Green Jacket Salad is comprised of crisp Romaine and iceberg lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and seasoned with a flavorful blend of seasoned salt, pita or crackers, oil, and vinegar.
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Fresh parsley
- Season salt
- Iceberg head
- Romaine hearts
- Roma tomatoes
- Green onions
- Crackers or pita
- Parmesan cheese, optional
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Start making the green jacket salad by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh parsley, and seasoned salt in a small bowl.
Combine chopped Romaine and iceberg lettuce in a large salad bowl and pour the dressing over the lettuce mixture. Toss them together to evenly distribute the greens.
Top the salad with Roma tomatoes, sliced green onions, crackers or pita chips, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.
Toss the salad together before serving to meld the flavors, or leave it unmixed for a stunning presentation.
Hint: Leave the dressing off until near time to serve your guests!
Substitutions
You can use Lawry’s seasoned salt instead of making your own seasoning. I never have this on hand and prefer to make my own anyway.
Do not substitute lettuces! Iceberg and romaine are key players in the Green Jacket Salad.
Variations
Dairy Free- Omit the cheese
Gluten Free- Top with gluten free crackers or pita bread
Storage
While the Green Jacket Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance by keeping the dressing separate until serving time. Store the dressed and undressed components in separate containers in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad together to coat each ingredient in the luscious dressing, and indulge in a symphony of tastes and textures.
Conclusion
The Green Jacket Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and culinary creativity. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing appetizer, this salad never fails to delight the palate. So gather your ingredients, don your culinary apron, and embark on a journey to salad perfection with the Green Jacket Salad. Your taste buds will thank you.
So as the azaleas bloom and the fairways beckon, take a moment to savor the flavors of the season with the Green Jacket Salad. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or simply a lover of springtime delights, this cherished tradition is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the magic of the Masters Tournament.
Related
Try the Green Jacket Salad with Gluten Free Sourdough Bread as a side.
Green Jacket Salad (GF/DF)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt see below
- ½-1 iceberg head chopped
- 1-2 romaine hearts chopped
- 1 cup roma tomatoes
- 3-5 green onions chopped
- ½ cup crackers or pita crushed or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese optional
Seasoned Salt (Makes More Than Needed)
- 5 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients as listed above.
- Mix oil, vinegar, and seasoned salt in a small bowl.
- Add romaine and iceberg to a large salad bowl and toss together.
- Pour all of the dressing over lettuce and toss.
- Top lettuce in order of tomatoes, onions, crackers/pita, cheese, and parsley.
- Toss salad together before serving or leave untossed for presentation.
Notes
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don’t leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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