Discover the Timeless Charm of Sarah’s Salad from Utah’s Historic Lion House

Step into a world where simple ingredients create extraordinary flavors with Sarah’s Salad, a beloved classic hailing from Utah’s iconic Lion House restaurant. This refreshing and incredibly satisfying salad harmoniously blends crisp iceberg lettuce, vibrant green peas, savory bacon, thinly sliced green onions, and creamy Swiss cheese, all united by a delightful, subtly sweet dressing. It’s a testament to the power of fresh, quality components coming together in perfect balance, offering a taste of comforting nostalgia with every forkful.

A beautifully presented Sarah's Salad featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, bright green peas, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and Swiss cheese cubes, artfully arranged and ready to be tossed with its signature sweet dressing.

A Glimpse into the Lion House: The Origin of a Beloved Recipe

My first encounter with this truly unforgettable salad was during a blog conference I attended a while back in Utah. A small group of us food bloggers decided to venture out for dinner one evening, choosing The Lion House Pantry – a venue renowned for its rich history and exceptional home-style cooking. The Lion House, originally built in 1856 by Brigham Young, is a historical landmark in Salt Lake City, and its restaurant continues to serve generations with its cherished recipes, offering a glimpse into Utah’s culinary heritage. We were treated to a catered meal in one of their elegant banquet rooms, and while the menu was pre-set, every dish served was absolutely delicious, embodying the comforting essence of a meticulously prepared homemade feast.

The very first course brought before us was this seemingly simple, yet profoundly tasty, Sarah’s Salad. From the initial bite, it was clear why this salad had garnered such a loyal following. It wasn’t overly complicated, nor did it rely on exotic ingredients. Instead, its brilliance lay in the thoughtful combination of everyday items, each contributing a vital layer to the overall experience. The freshness, the crunch, the subtle sweetness, and the savory undertones all came together in a way that truly surprised and delighted. It was an immediate favorite, inspiring me to recreate its magic in my own kitchen and share this culinary treasure with others.

An overhead view of Sarah's Salad ingredients laid out, showcasing the vibrant colors of iceberg lettuce, green peas, crispy bacon, and Swiss cheese, emphasizing the freshness before mixing.

Deconstructing the Irresistible Flavors of Sarah’s Salad

What sets Sarah’s Salad apart is its dedication to classic, comforting flavors, elevated by careful preparation and a balanced dressing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a symphony of textures and tastes that is both familiar and exciting. While the original recipe calls for iceberg lettuce, which provides that satisfying crispness, you can certainly experiment with adding a more nutrient-dense green leaf, like romaine or a spring mix, to enhance its nutritional profile without sacrificing too much of the classic feel. However, the signature crunch of iceberg is truly an integral part of this salad’s appeal.

The Foundation: Crisp Iceberg Lettuce

The base of Sarah’s Salad is crisp, refreshing iceberg lettuce. Often overlooked in favor of more exotic greens, iceberg provides an unparalleled crunch and a clean, neutral canvas for the other ingredients. Its high water content makes it incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day, and its mild flavor ensures it complements rather than competes with the more robust elements of the salad.

Bursts of Sweetness: Frozen Peas

Next up are cold, crisp frozen peas. These tiny green gems add a delightful burst of sweetness and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the lettuce. When quickly thawed and rinsed under cool water, they retain their vibrant color and slight firmness, contributing to the salad’s overall freshness. Peas are also a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber, adding a healthy boost to this indulgent dish.

The Savory Heart: Crispy Bacon

No truly great salad is complete without the irresistible allure of bacon, and Sarah’s Salad is no exception. Generous pieces of perfectly cooked, crumbled bacon introduce a salty, smoky depth and an addictive crunch that makes this salad truly craveable. The savory notes of the bacon provide a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the peas and the dressing, creating a balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Creamy Tang: Swiss Cheese

Dotted throughout the salad are delightful pieces of Swiss cheese. Whether cut into small cubes or thin strips, Swiss cheese brings a mild, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor, along with a pleasant chewiness that adds another layer of texture. Its creamy nature complements the other ingredients beautifully, tying everything together with a touch of rich indulgence.

Subtle Piquant Notes: Green Onions

Finally, thinly sliced green onions offer a subtle, fresh onion flavor that isn’t overpowering but adds a necessary hint of piquancy. Their delicate bite and vibrant green color brighten up the salad, enhancing its visual appeal and providing a gentle aromatic lift.

Close-up of the perfectly tossed Sarah's Salad, highlighting the even distribution of ingredients and the glistening, sweet and creamy dressing coating each piece.

Crafting the Perfect Sweet and Creamy Dressing

While each ingredient contributes significantly, the true magic of Sarah’s Salad lies in its incredibly simple yet perfectly balanced sweet and creamy dressing. This isn’t a dressing designed to overpower the delicate flavors of the vegetables, cheese, and bacon. Instead, its purpose is to harmoniously compliment them, adding a luscious mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

The Unconventional Duo: Mayonnaise and Miracle Whip

The base of this unique dressing often surprises people: a combination of mayonnaise and Miracle Whip. Mayonnaise provides the classic rich, creamy texture and a slightly tangy foundation, while Miracle Whip, with its sweeter and spicier profile, adds that distinctive zest and an extra layer of sweetness that is crucial to this salad’s signature taste. This blend ensures a dressing that is both decadent and bright, avoiding the heaviness that can sometimes plague creamy dressings.

Balancing the Flavors: Sugar, Salt, and Pepper

A touch of granulated sugar is added to enhance the natural sweetness of the peas and the Miracle Whip, creating a lovely contrast with the savory bacon and cheese. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out all the inherent flavors and ensuring the dressing is well-rounded. The beauty of this dressing is its straightforwardness; it requires no complex emulsions or exotic ingredients, just a simple whisking together of components to achieve a creamy, sweet, and utterly delightful coating for your salad.

A serving of Sarah's Salad in a bowl, showing the fresh ingredients and inviting dressing, with a focus on its readiness for a spring or summer meal.

Sarah’s Salad: The Perfect Companion for Any Occasion

This Sarah’s Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a versatile culinary star, perfect for a multitude of occasions, especially as the weather warms up. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it an ideal accompaniment to virtually any meal. We’ve already embraced the joys of grilling, and I can attest that this salad is absolutely fabulous alongside some perfectly grilled chicken and colorful veggie skewers. The cool crispness of the salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats and vegetables, creating a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

Consider bringing this vibrant and flavorful salad to your next potluck or any spring or summer gathering. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that stands out without being overly complicated. Its appealing visual presentation and universally loved flavors make it a reliable choice that guests of all ages will appreciate. Whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue, a festive holiday meal, or a simple weeknight dinner, Sarah’s Salad effortlessly elevates the spread. Its ability to marry classic comfort with refreshing lightness makes it a culinary staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.

A large bowl of Sarah's Salad, freshly tossed and ready to serve at a gathering, highlighting its appeal for potlucks and family meals.

Tips for Success & Customizing Your Sarah’s Salad

While the beauty of Sarah’s Salad lies in its simplicity, a few tips can ensure your rendition is as perfect as the Lion House original. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little to make it your own, while still honoring the essence of this beloved dish.

Ingredient Quality Matters

Since there are so few ingredients, the quality of each one really shines through. Choose the freshest iceberg lettuce available, ensuring it’s crisp and free from blemishes. Opt for good quality bacon, perhaps a thick-cut variety for extra texture and flavor. Fresh green onions are key for that subtle aromatic lift, and a good quality Swiss cheese will make a difference in creaminess and tang.

Alternative Greens & Add-ins

While iceberg is traditional, don’t hesitate to incorporate other greens. A mix of romaine and iceberg can provide a slightly softer texture with added nutrients. For a bolder flavor, a handful of baby spinach or even some delicate butter lettuce could be introduced. You could also add other ingredients that complement the existing flavors, such as a sprinkle of finely chopped celery for extra crunch, or a few cherry tomato halves for a touch of acidity and color. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the salad, as its charm is in its simplicity.

Make-Ahead Tips

To keep the salad fresh and crisp, it’s best to toss it with the dressing just before serving. However, you can prepare all the individual components ahead of time. Cook and crumble the bacon, chop the Swiss cheese, slice the green onions, and thaw the peas. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made a day or two in advance and kept chilled. This makes assembly quick and easy, perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.

The Lion House – Sarah’s Salad

Created by

Amber Brady

Sarah’s Salad from Utah’s Lion House restaurant uses crisp iceberg lettuce, peas, bacon, green onions, and swiss cheese tossed in a simple, sweet dressing.

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Yields

8
servings

Ingredients

1

head iceberg lettuce
2
cups

frozen peas,
(approximately half of a 16oz bag)
4

strips bacon
4
slices

swiss cheese
3

green onions
1
tsp

granulated sugar
½
tsp

salt
¼
tsp

pepper
¼
cup

Mayonnaise
¼
cup

Miracle Whip salad dressing

Instructions

Chop or tear the iceberg lettuce into bite-size pieces, then rinse, drain, and spin the lettuce dry.
Thaw peas in a strainer/colander under hot water until thawed and bright green, then immediately rinse and drain them with cool water.
Cook bacon until crisp and drain fat on paper towels. Crumble or chop bacon with a knife.
Cut swiss cheese slices into cubes or strips.
Slice green onions.
Mix the sugar, salt, pepper, Mayonnaise, and Miracle Whip together in a small bowl until well combined and smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the prepared lettuce, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, Swiss cheese, and sliced green onions. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before tossing. If preparing ahead, store ingredients separately and combine with dressing just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.

Nutrition

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

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Final Thoughts on a Beloved Classic

Sarah’s Salad from The Lion House is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary legacy that celebrates the beauty of well-chosen ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Its ability to evoke a sense of home-cooked comfort while delivering vibrant, refreshing flavors is truly remarkable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make dish, this salad is a must-try. It promises to be a staple in your recipe repertoire, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table, just as it has done for countless diners at the historic Lion House.

Sarah’s Salad A Lion House Specialty