Dole Debuts Chef’s Choice Salad Kits

Dole Fresh Vegetables has a solution for salad lovers who enjoy preparing fresh head lettuce but want the convenience of a salad kit. The company has introduced Chef’s Choice, a line of salad kits that contains two fresh-picked heads of mini Romaine, toppings and a signature Dole dressing to give consumers a world of ways to make a restaurant-style salad at home. 

Two initial Chef Choice kit varieties will be offered: DOLE Chef’s Choice Caesar Salad Kit, based on Dole’s popular signature Caesar salad recipe, which includes two heads of fresh mini Romaine, croutons, black pepper, shredded Parmesan cheese and Dole’s signature Caesar Dressing; and DOLE Chef’s Choice Tuscan Salad Kit, which combines sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and savory seasoning with two heads of fresh mini Romaine, and tops them with Dole’s signature Italian Herb Dressing.

“Salad making is all about in-kitchen creativity and preparation options—and head lettuce lovers want the chance to enjoy a restaurant-style salad at home,” says CarrieAnn Arias, vice president of marketing for Dole Fresh Vegetables. “Dole’s new Chef’s Choice line combines the versatility of head lettuce with the ease of a salad kit to allow consumers to wash and prep their lettuce the way they like and create an impressive salad in minutes."

According to Arias, step-by-step instructions were added on the package based on Dole consumer research and make it easy for consumers to create a grilled, seared or chopped salad that everyone will love. “Our research participants were thrilled and even a little surprised to see how simple it was to create the same salad at home that they’d expect to be served at their favorite restaurant," Arias says. "They loved how Chef’s Choice raised their salad expectations and made it easy for them to achieve ‘chef status’ in their own kitchen.”

DOLE Chef’s Choice Salad Kits were created for lunch and dinner occasions, either as a side salad or a main dish or entrée with the addition of protein. The grill and sear options also make them ideal for picnics, backyard barbecues and tailgate parties, say company officials.

Chef’s Choice Salad Kits, including Caesar and Tuscan flavor varieties, will start arriving in stores Aug. 15 for the suggested retail price of $4.99. Salad shoppers can find the kits in the refrigerated lettuce section near romaine hearts or other packaged salad kits.