This recipe is called Junk Yard Salad but I swear I feel like a king eating it

Junk Yard Salad, as whimsical as it sounds, is a vibrant and hearty dish perfect for potlucks or a lively family dinner. Inspired by the idea of tossing together a bit of everything you have on hand, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. You might want to whip this up when you have some veggies and cold cuts needing to be used, making sure nothing goes to waste while still serving something nutritious and appealing.

Junk Yard Salad is quite a filling option on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light, brothy soup or some freshly baked garlic bread. If you’re serving it at a potluck, it complements barbecue meats or vegetarian pastas beautifully. For a casual family dinner, just add some fruit on the side and perhaps a pitcher of lemonade or iced tea to keep everyone refreshed.

Servings: 6

2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
1 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
1 cup diced ham
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup pickled jalapenos (optional)
1/2 cup croutons
Your choice of salad dressing

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the iceberg lettuce and spinach as your base.

2. Add the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded carrots, and bell peppers to the bowl.

3. Toss in the diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, black olives, and pickled jalapenos if using.

4. Just before serving, sprinkle the top with croutons and drizzle with your favorite salad dressing, tossing everything together to mix well.

The joy of Junk Yard Salad is its flexibility! For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and add chickpeas or cubed firm tofu instead for your protein. You can also play with the cheeses; mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack could lend a different twist. If anyone in the family isn't keen on spice, leave out the jalapenos, and perhaps add some sweet corn or diced apples for a touch of sweetness. Nuts like walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch too.