If you’re searching for a Lexingtonian salad recipe, you’re probably craving that cool, crisp, flavor-packed salad made famous at Malone’s, a well-loved restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky. This salad looks simple at first glance—romaine, tomatoes, and a creamy herb dressing—but the magic is in the details. It’s refreshing, addictively crunchy, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
In this guide, you’ll get a detailed, authentic, and easy-to-follow Lexingtonian salad recipe, complete with a full recipe table, tips, variations, and answers to the most common questions people ask online.
What Makes the Lexingtonian Salad So Special?
The Lexingtonian salad isn’t your average garden salad. It’s known for:
- Super fresh, chilled ingredients
- Crisp romaine lettuce
- A creamy herb dressing with subtle sweetness
- A blend of parmesan cheese and buttery croutons
- That satisfying Malone’s-style crunch in every bite
This balance of flavors and textures is why many people search specifically for Malone’s Lexingtonian salad recipe.
Lexingtonian Salad Recipe
Below is the complete recipe you can use at home. This includes both the salad and the signature creamy dressing.
Lexingtonian Salad Recipe
| Component | Ingredients | Quantity |
| Salad Base | Romaine lettuce, chopped | 6 cups |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup | |
| Shredded parmesan cheese | ½ cup | |
| Croutons (buttery or garlic) | 1 cup | |
| Red onions, thinly sliced (optional) | ¼ cup | |
| Creamy Lexingtonian Dressing | Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup | |
| Buttermilk | 2–3 tbsp | |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | |
| White vinegar | 1 tsp | |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | |
| Dried parsley | ½ tsp | |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
How to Make Lexingtonian Salad (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Salad
- Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces for that classic restaurant crunch.
- Slice tomatoes, onions (optional), and grate cheese if using fresh parmesan.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing
Whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
- Salt and pepper
Adjust buttermilk for desired consistency—thick or pourable.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a chilled bowl (important for freshness):
- Add romaine
- Add tomatoes
- Toss in parmesan
- Add croutons right before serving
- Drizzle with the dressing and mix gently
For the true Malone’s Lexingtonian salad recipe effect, serve it ice cold.
Tips to Make the Best Lexingtonian Salad
- Chill everything—the bowl, the lettuce, even the serving plates.
- Use fresh parmesan for better flavor.
- Add croutons last to keep them perfectly crunchy.
- Make the dressing ahead (2–12 hours in advance enhances the flavor).
- Try buttermilk instead of milk for that authentic tang.
Variations You Can Try
1. Malone’s-Inspired Crunch Boost
Add finely shredded cabbage for extra crispness.
2. Protein-Packed Version
Add:
- Grilled chicken
- Steak strips
- Shrimp
3. Light & Healthy Twist
Replace mayo with Greek yogurt.
FAQs About the Lexingtonian Salad Recipe
1. What dressing is used in the Lexingtonian salad?
A creamy, tangy herb dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar, and spices.
2. Is this the exact Malone’s Lexingtonian salad recipe?
This is a close, well-tested copycat version created using ingredients and flavor notes known from Malone’s.
3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
4. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing and croutons only when serving.
5. Can I use iceberg lettuce?
You can, but romaine gives the original crispness and flavor.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Refreshing, Restaurant-Quality Lexingtonian Salad at Home
The Lexingtonian salad recipe is simple, fresh, and packed with the classic flavors that made it famous at Malone’s. With chilled romaine, creamy dressing, and a handful of crunchy toppings, you can bring a little taste of Kentucky to your own kitchen.
