A few weeks ago, I picked up a package of Applegate Farms “The Great Organic Uncured Hot Dog”, which uses beef from grass-fed cows. A package of 8 set me back nearly $7.50, which is WAY more than you will pay for commodity hot dogs at the grocery store. In fact, it was the most expensive price I’ve ever paid on a per-hot-dog basis outside of sporting events.

A Chicago-style, or “salad dog”, is a mixture of vegetables that have a minimizing effect on the hot dog itself. Typically you would expect to see cucumber, tomato, onion, roasted pepper, and pickle relish (at minimum). In this preparation I restricted myself to the first three items.

It was FANTASTIC, even with the bun falling slightly apart. Certainly some of the taste can be attributed to the hot dog itself, but beyond that the mix of cucumber, pepper jack cheese, and tomato fit in very well.

Ingredients

Rudi’s Bakery organic hot dog buns ($3.50 for a pack of six)

Applegate Farms “Great Organic Hot Dog” ($7.50 for a pack of eight)

Cucumber, thinly sliced

Tomato, thinly sliced

Onion, thinly sliced

Yellow mustard

Pepper jack cheese, thinly sliced or grated

Preparation