Rich & Charlie’s Salad (Copycat)

There are some restaurant experiences that just stick with you. For me, one of those memories revolves around Rich & Charlie’s – an iconic St. Louis eatery. As a kid, my family would frequent the place, and I was always fascinated by the sheer size of the salad barrel they served from. The mixture, a vibrant blend of textures and flavors, was unlike anything I’d ever had. Years later, after honing my skills in the kitchen, I set out to recreate this unique salad, attempting to capture the magic of those childhood dinners.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
• Servings: 12
• Yield: About 1 large salad bowl
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 head iceberg lettuce
• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 red onion, sliced thin
• 1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos
• 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) can black olives
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar

Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the greens. Rinse the iceberg lettuce and romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold water. Shake off the excess water.
2. Chop both heads of lettuce into bite-sized pieces. The iceberg lettuce will contribute a crispiness, while the romaine offers a slightly more robust flavor and texture.
3. Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl. Remember, the goal is to emulate the original salad, which had a slightly wilted texture due to being served from a barrel. So, don’t worry if the lettuce isn’t perfectly dry; a little moisture can actually help with that.
4. Next, thinly slice the red onion. The thinness is crucial; you want the onion’s flavor to be present but not overpowering. Add the sliced red onion to the salad bowl.
5. Drain the pimentos from the jar and add them to the salad.
6. Drain the can of artichoke hearts. If the artichoke hearts are large, you can halve or quarter them before adding them to the salad bowl.
7. Add the parmesan cheese to the salad bowl. Freshly grated parmesan is always best, but pre-shredded works just fine for convenience.
8. Drain the can of black olives and add them to the salad. You can use whole olives or slice them in half, depending on your preference.
9. Slice the fresh mushrooms and add them to the salad.
10. Now, prepare the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sugar.
11. Whisk the dressing ingredients together until they are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste. Some people prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, while others prefer it more tart.
12. Pour the dressing over the salad.
13. Using tongs or large spoons, gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the lettuce to bruise and become mushy.
14. Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
15. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the lettuce to slightly wilt, mimicking the texture of the original Rich & Charlie’s salad.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• To get the red onion extra mild, soak the sliced onions in ice water for about 10 minutes. This helps remove some of the sharp bite. Drain them well before adding to the salad.
• Don’t dress the salad too far in advance. While the chilling time is important, dressing it too early can make it overly soggy.
• For a slightly different flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to the dressing.
• If you want to add a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can provide a subtle kick.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your preference. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
• To keep the salad from getting too watery, make sure all of your ingredients are well-drained before adding them to the bowl.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is best served chilled. To serve, transfer the desired amount to individual plates or bowls. It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, pasta dishes, or even as a light lunch on its own.

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as the lettuce will continue to wilt over time. While the salad won’t be unsafe to eat after that, the texture may not be as appealing. Due to the nature of the ingredients, this salad does not freeze well.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	202.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	139 g	69%
Total Fat	15.6 g	23%
Saturated Fat	3.2 g	16%
Cholesterol	7.3 mg	2%
Sodium	557.4 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	12.4 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	5.1 g	20%
Sugars	3.9 g	N/A
Protein	6.5 g	13%

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese: For a sharper flavor, try using crumbled feta cheese instead of parmesan.
• Olives: Green olives can be substituted for black olives.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese for a vegetarian/vegan option. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Lettuce: Use other lettuce varieties like butter lettuce or spring mix to diversify the flavor and texture.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
• Vegetables: Feel free to include other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or tomatoes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why does the recipe call for both iceberg and romaine lettuce?
A: Iceberg lettuce provides a refreshing crunch, while romaine lettuce offers a slightly more robust flavor and texture, creating a balanced and appealing salad.

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to whisk it again before using.

Q: Is it important to let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours?
A: Yes, this chilling time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and for the lettuce to slightly wilt, which is characteristic of the original salad.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with other vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste preferences.

Q: How can I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
A: Be sure to drain all of the ingredients well before adding them to the bowl, and don’t dress the salad too far in advance.

Final Thoughts

Recreating this Rich & Charlie’s salad copycat recipe has been a delicious trip down memory lane. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly special. I hope this recipe inspires you to try your hand at recreating a classic or to invent something entirely new. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, remember that cooking is all about experimenting, having fun, and sharing good food with the people you love. Don’t hesitate to tweak this recipe to your liking, and please, share your results! Bon appétit!