This classic house salad is fresh, colorful, and oh-so-simple! With crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a light dressing, it’s a perfect side for any meal.
I love how quickly I can whip this up. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy! It makes me feel like a kitchen superstar, even on busy nights! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of romaine, iceberg, and leaf lettuce gives variety in texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a twist, try using baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color to the salad. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Cucumber: A refreshing crunch! If you’re in the mood for something different, try using radishes or jicama for a zesty touch.
Red Onion: It offers a mild bite. If raw onion isn’t your thing, swap it for green onions or chives for a milder flavor.
Dressing: The homemade dressing balances the flavors beautifully. You can substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar for a sweeter taste or use lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
How Can I Make the Perfect Dressing?
Making a great dressing can elevate your salad. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with your olive oil as a base, which adds richness.
- Add acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) to balance the oil. Red wine vinegar gives a nice tang.
- Incorporate a bit of Dijon mustard. It helps emulsify the dressing and adds zing.
- Mix in minced garlic for depth of flavor.
- Finish with sugar or honey to sweeten and balance the acidity, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.
Shake or whisk the ingredients until combined! Adjust to your taste, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
The Best Classic House Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, iceberg, and leaf lettuce), washed and torn
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar or honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes just about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing, making it a quick and easy dish to add to any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, and optional black olives if you’re using them. Toss gently to mix the ingredients together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, sugar (or honey), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake until everything is nicely blended and the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
3. Combine and Toss:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mix and gently toss everything together to make sure the greens and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing. Aim for a light coating, as you can always add more if needed!
4. Finish with Toppings:
For an extra touch, sprinkle croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. This adds a nice crunch and flavor that everyone will love!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and crunch. It’s the perfect starter or side dish for any meal, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Greens for the Salad?
Absolutely! You can customize your salad mix. Feel free to use baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens instead of the listed lettuces. Just be sure they’re fresh and washed before adding!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing. The salad will still be delicious and packed with flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Salad Dressing?
You can store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it again, as it may separate while sitting!
Can I Add Protein to This Salad?
Definitely! This salad is a great base for adding protein. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs work wonderfully to make it a more filling meal!