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A vibrant bowl of Divorce Salad, a hearty and colorful meal for one featuring fresh greens, vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ultimate Divorce Salad

The Ultimate Divorce Salad is a legendary dish known for its bold, unapologetic flavor and riot of textures. It combines crunchy iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and almonds with a creamy, sweet-and-tangy dressing. This salad is surprisingly simple to make and utterly irresistible, perfect as a satisfying side or a hearty meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head iceberg lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Salad spinner
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Chop the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner to prevent a watery salad.
  2. If using fresh bacon, cook until very crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
  3. Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let them cool.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk vigorously for a full minute until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. In a very large serving bowl, place the chopped iceberg lettuce as the base.
  6. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the lettuce.
  7. Sprinkle on the bacon bits (or crumbled bacon), followed by the sunflower seeds and the cooled toasted almonds.
  8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to combine, or serve the dressing on the side to keep the salad crisp.

Notes

For best results, do not toss the salad with the dressing until ready to serve to maintain maximum crunch. You can adjust the sugar in the dressing down by a tablespoon for a more tangy profile. For variations, add cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal, swap half the iceberg for romaine, or include dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist. Store any leftover undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.