Once upon a time, there was a restaurant named Tequilaberry's in Coon Rapids, MN that served a salad so incredibly delicious it became famous throughout the Midwest. Although Tequilaberry's Restaurant has since closed its doors, the recipe for their popular salad is still requested by many.
The Tequilaberry salad is an incredibly creamy salad brimming with lettuce, cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and crisp bits of bacon. Yes, that's correct, there is no tequila in Tequilaberry salad. But it is wonderfully sweet, smoky, and has just a touch of tanginess. One bite and you will see why it was so popular.
What is in it?
There are many variations of the original recipe floating around online. Most of them tend to agree on the main ingredients. However, there are some variations on the more minor flavorings. These are the main components of the salad.
- Lettuce - One head of iceberg lettuce or a 1 pound bag of chopped lettuce will work. If using a whole head, cut lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Cauliflower - An average head of cauliflower should be around one and a half pounds.
- Bacon - Use one pound of bacon and only use real bacon, not bacon bits. Make sure you save some of the bacon grease to mix in with the dressing.
- Mayo - People swear that you can only use Hellmann's Mayonnaise.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - This seems to be debated. Some recipes call for white vinegar, others use buttermilk, some don't use add any adicity at all. However, one source, who claimed to be friends with a former employee of the restaurant swears apple cider vinegar is used.
- Sugar - Yes, this recipe uses a lot of sugar, a quarter cup sugar to be exact. Feel free to cut back to fit your tastes.
- Parmesan cheese - Shredded is best, but you can use grated if needed.
If you have ever eaten at the old Tequilaberry's I would love to hear your thoughts on the ingredients.
How to make it
Tequilaberry's salad is incredibly easy to make. Grab yourself a large bowl and chop lettuce, cauliflower, and bacon. Add these to the bowl, along with the dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and serve. It is that easy!
How to make the dressing
The dressing is made by combining the mayo, sugar, bacon grease, and vinegar to a bowl and mixing to combine well. The vinegar will thin out the dressing a bit, but the bacon grease will thicken it back up while also imparting its glorious flavor.
The dressing can be made when serving the salad. As a matter of fact, It was often prepared tableside at the restaurant. However, the flavor will improve if you make the dressing in advance. You can either prepare it earlier that afternoon and let it chill in the refrigerator, or make it the day prior to allow the flavors more time to meld.
Note: It is important to note the dressing should NOT be mixed with the salad in advance or you will turn the lettuce and bacon mushy.
Ways to customize this salad
Every good recipe can serve as a starting point to transform it into your own special creation. Tequilaberry Salad is no different. This is a pretty basic salad that can be customized many different ways. Try any of these additions:
- Slivered almonds
- Grapes
- Broccoli florets
- Red wine vinegar (instead of apple cider)
More Creamy Salads
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Tequilaberry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head iceberg lettuce chopped
- 1 head cauliflower chopped
- 1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- ⅔ cups shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Combine one head lettuce, one head cauliflower, bacon, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- To prepare the dressing, mix mayonnaise, bacon grease, sugar, and vinegar in a separate dish.
- Add dressing to the salad bowl prior to serving, mixing everything well to combine.
Tiffany
This is the salad I grew up eating at Tequilaberry’s and all the other recipes are similar but not the same as they don’t include bacon grease. This is the real deal!
Cori Ohlin
I’m from coon rapids and work at a restaurant up north now that has this salad.
The dressing I remember and we use is a combination of
Mayonnaise
Sugar and
Parmesan cheese
No acidity in it…it’s really a sweeter type is dressing
Sandy
Is it ok to mix the salad ingredients a day before?
Fox Valley Foodie
Salad dressing ingredients? Yes, that can be made in advance. Do not mix it into the salad in advance though, or it will turn mushy.
Vicci
I'm just curious if people have recommendations on the best way to chop cauliflower and lettuce other by hand. It turned out really good. Just looking for easier way so I can make it more often. Thanks!
Sue
Had this many times, both as the tequilaberry salad at Tequilaberry’s and just as “The Salad” at Bob’s original restaurant, the Vineyard, in Anoka, MN.
Jacque L
Why is my salad so runny every time i make it?
Tonette Bland
I remember Tequilaberry's from when I was young and loving their salad! Now I know why!! It's loaded with mayo and bacon and even bacon grease in the dressing! Yum! I changed it up a tad and did broccoli instead of cauliflower and added green onions and shredded carrots. Also, onion and garlic powder to the dressing. Devine!! 😍