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Hot Dog Salad Recipe

Hot Dog Salad Recipe

This Hot Dog Salad Recipe transforms classic grilled hot dogs into a fresh, crunchy salad perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or casual dinners. Smoky sliced hot dogs pair with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty dressing for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal the whole family will love. Author Use Default (Don’t show) Servings 4 people Estimated Cost $5 Times Prep Time 0 days 0 hours 15 minutes Cook Time 0 days 0 hours 10 minutes Resting Time (Custom Time Label) 0 days 0 hours 5 minutes Total Time 0 days 0 hours 30 minutes Categories Courses Main Course, Salad, Lunch Cuisines American Keywords Hot Dog Salad Recipe, hot dog salad, grilled hot dog salad, quick salad recipe, budget meals
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Bulk-add friendly list paste into WP Recipe Maker Ingredients:
  • 4 hot dogs all-beef, turkey, or your choice
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil for grilling / pan-searing
  • 6 cups mixed lettuce romaine, iceberg, or spring mix, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium cucumber sliced or halved & sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup canned sweet corn drained (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta optional
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup croutons or crushed potato chips optional, for crunch
  • For the dressing makes ~3/4 cup:
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt or buttermilk or swap for extra mayo
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey or sugar optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan (or skillet)
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Serving platter or bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook the hot dogs — Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush hot dogs with oil and grill or pan-sear until evenly browned with a little char, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and rest 2–3 minutes.
  2. Slice hot dogs — Cut each hot dog into 1/2-inch slices (bite-sized) or diagonal coins for better presentation.
  3. Prepare the veg — While hot dogs cook, chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, slice cucumber, and thinly slice red onion. Place vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add corn, pickles, and cheese if using.
  4. Make the dressing — In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt/buttermilk, Dijon, vinegar/lemon, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Assemble the salad — Add hot dog slices to the bowl with vegetables. Drizzle about half the dressing and gently toss to combine. Add croutons or crushed chips last to keep them crunchy.
  6. Serve — Transfer to a serving bowl or plates. Drizzle extra dressing on top, sprinkle with extra cheese or herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
  7. Optional resting — Let the salad sit 3–5 minutes for flavors to meld before serving, but avoid long waits so the hot dogs stay tasty and the crunchy elements don’t go soggy.
  8. Nutrition (per serving — estimate)
  9. Calories: ~420 kcal
  10. Protein: ~18 g
  11. Fat: ~28 g
  12. Carbohydrates: ~20 g
  13. Fiber: ~2–3 g
  14. Sodium: high (depends on hot dog choice)
  15. (If you need precise nutrition facts, use WP Recipe Maker Premium or a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient brands.)

Notes

Hot dog choice: Choose nitrate-free or turkey hot dogs for lower fat/sodium, or classic beef hot dogs for richer flavor.
Make-ahead: Prep veggies and dressing up to 24 hours ahead. Cook hot dogs right before serving for best texture.
Warming option: Serve hot dog slices warm over chilled salad for contrast, or chill everything and serve cold for a refreshing summer dish.
Crunch ideas: Swap croutons for crushed tortilla chips, potato chips, or crispy onions.
Dressing swaps: Ranch, honey-mustard, or a BBQ vinaigrette all pair well with this salad.